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If a special area is designated for invited (elite) runners at the front of the starting line, the following procedures should be considered:

1. Invited runners should be identified in some way, e.g. special bib numbers or a color coded mark on the bib itself.
2. The size of the area to be blocked off will vary depending on the number of invited runners expected. For 500 athletes an area of approximately 2,000 square feet should be sufficient.

   (The area can be marked by stanchions and ropes or flagging, but marshals will still be required to roam the perimeter of the area in order to secure it.)

3. The only entry into the elite start area should be at the front. Two marshals should be assigned to monitor runners entering this front "gate."
4. If there are invited wheelchairs in the race, they will usually be given a head start of at least one minute. During this time, before the remainder of the field is launched, the stanchions and ropes should be removed by the marshals. The rest of the runners can then move up behind the invited athletes.