What is the legal wind limit for records?

The legal wind limit is +2.0 m/s (tailwind). Any performance achieved with a tailwind exceeding 2.0 m/s is considered wind-assisted and cannot be ratified as a record, though it still counts as the official race result.

How much does wind affect a 100m time?

A 2.0 m/s tailwind improves a 100m time by approximately 0.10 seconds. Conversely, a 2.0 m/s headwind adds approximately 0.10 seconds. The effect is roughly 0.05 seconds per 1 m/s of wind.

Why is the 200m less affected by wind?

In the 200m, runners spend about half the race on the bend where wind direction has a mixed effect. The straight section where tailwind fully helps is only half the race, so the correction factor is smaller (~0.03s per m/s vs 0.05s for 100m).

How is wind measured at track events?

Wind is measured by an anemometer placed beside the track at the 50m mark (100m) or at the exit of the bend (200m). It records the average wind speed during the race. The measurement is taken from start to finish.

RunCalcs

Wind Correction Calculator — Sprint Wind Adjustment

Adjust sprint times for wind speed to get true performance equivalents.

Race Time

Wind Speed (+ tailwind, - headwind)

Event

How We Calculate This

Wind Correction Formula

Wind correction uses established research-based correction factors:

100m Correction = -0.05 x Wind Speed (m/s)

200m Correction = -0.03 x Wind Speed (m/s)

Corrected Time = Actual Time + Correction

Positive wind values indicate a tailwind (assisted), negative values indicate a headwind. The correction factors are based on research by Linthorne (1994) into the aerodynamic effects of wind on sprinting.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always consult a coach or medical professional for personalised training advice.