ISU

Skin-tight speed suit: Maximum material thickness 3 mm (0.12 in). Single-piece or two-piece construction permitted.; No artificial devices: No panels, ridges, textures, or attachments designed to reduce air resistance beyond the base fabric properties (Rule 291, ISU).; Cut-resistant fabric: Manda...

Helmet: Not required for long track (unlike short track), but many sprint specialists wear thin aerodynamic helmets.; Cut-resistant gloves: Mandatory hand protection.; Neck protection: Cut-resistant neck guard recommended but not mandatory.

Total lap distance: 400 m (1312 ft) — standard oval.; Number of lanes: Two lanes (inner and outer), separated by a lane-change zone (crossing straight) on each straightaway.; Inner lane radius: 25–26 m (82–85 ft). The inner lane has a tighter curve, requiring more energy for cornering.

Standard 400 m oval track with two lanes.

Ice temperature: Approximately −6°C to −8°C (21°F to 17.6°F) for optimal balance between hardness and grip.; Ice thickness: Minimum 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in), maintained by continuous resurfacing between race pairs.; Indoor venues: Required for World Cup and Olympic competition. Controlled humidity and...

Start line: Located on the main straightaway. Pre-start area with electronic start system and timing pads.; Finish line: Photo-finish camera and electronic timing beam across both lanes. Times recorded to 1/1000th of a second, displayed to 1/100th.; Warm-up lane: A separate warm-up oval or design...

Individual races: Two skaters race simultaneously in paired time trials. Lane assignments (inner/outer start) are drawn or assigned based on personal bests. In the 500 m, each skater races once (single-race format since 2018).; Team Pursuit: Teams of 3 skaters. Two teams race simultaneously, star...

Individual time trials with two skaters racing simultaneously in separate lanes. Mass Start: up to 24 skaters racing together.