World Athletics Championships Budapest 23
The World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 see 3 new rules that should improve opportunities for runners and improve the viewing experience for the rest of us. All of them are intended to get the maximum possible number of athletes taking part.
1. Running Under Protest
The allowed reaction time to the start gun is 0.1secs when using a World Athletics-certified start information system.
When reaction times are less than 0.1s but close to that time, the referee can allow the athlete to run under protest to avoid delaying the event and give the athlete a chance to appeal/protest the initial DQ.
2. Athlete Replacement Policy
For semi-finals and finals, up to 2 athletes will have standby positions. Should a qualifying athlete withdraw his/her lane will be filled by the fastest standby athlete.
I’m unclear if athletes who are DQd by a false start will be replaced.
3. Q- Room
The Q-room (qualifier room) is a similar concept to that used in other sports like skiing and cycling. It has also been tried previously in athletics.
If an athlete has a non-automatic qualifying position, they go to a comfy q Room with seats and a live TV stream. They stay in the room until all qualifying events are finished but leave the room if replaced by someone with a faster qualifying time.
No doubt there will be TV coverage of their reactions in the Q Room
Take Out
These all seem like a great idea to me. If more athletes get a greater chance to compete I’m all for it. Media/TV considerations are probably more the driving force behind this to maintain the quality of the spectacle.
Last Updated on 27 January 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
