SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/run-track-direction

In official track races that include a bend, which way do runners go around?

Counterclockwise, with the left hand toward the inside.

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  1. Clockwise, right hand toward the inside
  2. Counterclockwise, left hand toward the inside ✔
  3. It switches direction every lap

Why: World Athletics rules say races with at least one bend run 'left-hand inside,' so your left shoulder faces the infield. Seen from above, that is counterclockwise.

Huh, didn't know that: Races run entirely on the straight, like the 100 meters, may go either direction depending on conditions.

The dad joke
Why do runners go counterclockwise? So they never feel like they're ahead of their time.
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References

Answer: Counterclockwise, left hand toward the inside. World Athletics rules say races with at least one bend run 'left-hand inside,' so your left shoulder faces the infield. Seen from above, that is counterclockwise.

  1. World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition worldathletics.org/download/download?filename=e7faf2e8-0385-4686-bbd0-acdb5d958e8f.pdf&urlslug=Competition+and+Technical+Rules+%E2%80%93+2026+Edition
    including at least one bend, the direction of the race shall be left-hand inside.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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