Eventually, the field is narrowed to a handful of finalists. The first one to cross the finish line is the winner. Time is secondary. In fact, Olympic and world records have been set in non-medal heats. For example the 1000 m is a very tactical race.
Skaters start out slowly and maneuver for the best position going into the homestretch.
The skaters gradually speed up until they are at top speed for the last two or three laps of this nine-lap race. Individual heats feature four skaters at a time in a mass start. Keep to the innermost lane Because the inner lane of the speed skating oval covers a shorter distance than the outer lane, skaters are required to change lanes once during each lap, with the exception of the first straight of the 1000 and 1500 events. Right of way is given to the skater switching from the outer to the inner lane. The skater leaving the inner lane is considered responsible for collisions, unless the other skater acts in an obstructive way.