What are runners in Bobsled?

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Sled

Bobsleds are precision-engineered machines constructed primarily from steel and fibreglass composites. Key specifications vary by event:

Monobob: Standardised IBSF-supplied sled, weight 162 kg (357 lb). All athletes use identical sleds to equalise equipment, making the event purely about driving skill and athleticism.
Two-man/two-woman: Maximum sled weight (without crew) 170 kg (375 lb). Maximum combined weight (sled + crew) 390 kg (860 lb) for men, 340 kg (750 lb) for women. Maximum length 270 cm (106 in), maximum width 67 cm (26.4 in).
Four-man: Maximum sled weight (without crew) 210 kg (463 lb). Maximum combined weight (sled + crew) 630 kg (1,389 lb). Maximum length 380 cm (150 in), maximum width 67 cm (26.4 in).

Teams below the maximum combined weight may add ballast to the sled, but all added weight must be securely fixed inside the sled body and declared at inspection.

2.2 Runners

Each sled rides on four steel runners — two front (steerable) and two rear (fixed). Runner specifications are strictly controlled:

Material: steel with a minimum Rockwell hardness of 63 HRC
Runner gauge (width between opposite runners): 67 cm (26.4 in)
Runner temperature: must not exceed ice surface temperature by more than 4°C (7.2°F) at the time of pre-race inspection. Heating runners artificially is illegal and results in disqualification.
Runner profile: standardised profile templates are provided by IBSF; custom grinding is permitted within tolerance.

2.3 Crew Equipment

Helmet: Full-face helmet mandatory for all crew members. Must conform to ECE 22.06, Snell SA2020, or equivalent standard approved by the IBSF.
Speed suit: Skin-tight aerodynamic racing suit. Maximum material thickness is regulated. No artificial aerodynamic aids, fins, or protrusions are permitted.
Start shoes: Spiked shoes for the push start, with a maximum of 44 spikes per shoe. Spike length maximum 5 mm (0.2 in). Shoes must be IBSF-approved to ensure consistent traction on the ice start ramp.
Gloves: Mandatory for all crew members. No grip-enhancing substances permitted on glove surfaces.

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Sled

Bobsleds are precision-engineered machines constructed primarily from steel and fibreglass composites. Key specifications vary by event:

Monobob: Standardised IBSF-supplied sled, weight 162 kg (357 lb). All athletes use identical sleds to equalise equipment, making the event purely about driving skill and athleticism.
Two-man/two-woman: Maximum sled weight (without crew) 170 kg (375 lb). Maximum combined weight (sled + crew) 390 kg (860 lb) for men, 340 kg (750 lb) for women. Maximum length 270 cm (106 in), maximum width 67 cm (26.4 in).
Four-man: Maximum sled weight (without crew) 210 kg (463 lb). Maximum combined weight (sled + crew) 630 kg (1,389 lb). Maximum length 380 cm (150 in), maximum width 67 cm (26.4 in).

Teams below the maximum combined weight may add ballast to the sled, but all added weight must be securely fixed inside the sled body and declared at inspection.

2.2 Runners

Each sled rides on four steel runners — two front (steerable) and two rear (fixed). Runner specifications are strictly controlled:

Material: steel with a minimum Rockwell hardness of 63 HRC
Runner gauge (width between opposite runners): 67 cm (26.4 in)
Runner temperature: must not exceed ice surface temperature by more than 4°C (7.2°F) at the time of pre-race inspection. Heating runners artificially is illegal and results in disqualification.
Runner profile: standardised profile templates are provided by IBSF; custom grinding is permitted within tolerance.

2.3 Crew Equipment

Helmet: Full-face helmet mandatory for all crew members. Must conform to ECE 22.06, Snell SA2020, or equivalent standard approved by the IBSF.
Speed suit: Skin-tight aerodynamic racing suit. Maximum material thickness is regulated. No artificial aerodynamic aids, fins, or protrusions are permitted.
Start shoes: Spiked shoes for the push start, with a maximum of 44 spikes per shoe. Spike length maximum 5 mm (0.2 in). Shoes must be IBSF-approved to ensure consistent traction on the ice start ramp.
Gloves: Mandatory for all crew members. No grip-enhancing substances permitted on glove surfaces.

2.2 Runners