Races are run counter-clockwise. In all individual competition forms, only two skaters are allowed to race at once, and must remain in their respective lanes. Skaters must change lanes every lap. The skater changing from the outside lane to the inside. In the only non-individual competition form, the team pursuit, two teams of each three skaters are allowed to race at once. Both teams remain in the inner lane for the duration of the race; they start on opposite sides of the rink.