Beach run rules
The beach run is four legs up and down a two-lane course parallel to the water, with the total set by age: 800 m for U9–U10 up to 2 km for seniors and most masters (§4.5.4). The 3 × 1 km beach run relay is three runners over the same kind of course.
Distances
- U9 & U10: 800 m; U11 & U12: 1 000 m; U13 & U14: 1 200 m (§4.5.4).
- U15: 1 400 m; U17: 1 600 m; U19: 1 800 m.
- Seniors and masters 30–59: 2 000 m; masters 60+: 1 000 m.
The masters summary sheet lists 1 000 m for women from 55 (Section 4, Appendix A). In the 3 × 1 km relay each runner covers 1 000 m as a senior, with shorter legs for younger groups (§4.5.5).
How it's run
Runners go out along the water-side lane, round the turning poles, come back along the other lane and repeat. Each leg is a quarter of the distance (§4.5.4). The finish is judged on the chest, on your feet.
Footwear is optional in the beach runs and the run relay (§2.8.7).
Common disqualifications
Deliberately jostling or blocking another runner, and not completing the course as set (§4.5.4–4.5.5). In the relay the tag must happen in the changeover zone between the turning flags.
Common questions
How long is the beach run?
From 800 m for U9–U10 nippers to 2 000 m for seniors and masters under 60; masters 60+ run 1 000 m (LSA Competition Manual §4.5.4).
Can you wear shoes in the beach run?
Yes. Footwear is optional in the beach runs and the 3 × 1 km beach run relay (§2.8.7).
How does the 3 × 1 km beach run relay work?
Three runners each complete a leg and tag the next in a changeover zone; senior legs are 1 000 m (§4.5.5).
How far do U15 juniors run?
1 400 m, in four legs of 350 m (§4.5.4).
Sources
Updated 29 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.