How LED track pacing lights work
LED track pacing lights are sequential lights placed along a running track. Software illuminates them in order so the visible signal moves at a programmed pace.
The category
A pace athletes can see.
Pacing lights translate a time goal into a moving visual reference. The system does not measure the official result. It shows the target while the meet's approved timing system records performance.
The category is described in several ways: pacing lights, pace lights, LED pacing systems, visual pacing systems, and informally, wave lights or wavelights. Wavelight is also the name of a specific branded system. Stridelane is an independent pacing-light company and system.
The core idea remains the same across the category: place individually controlled lights around a known track distance, calculate when each position should illuminate, then synchronize the sequence to a start.
System sequence
From target time to moving light.
The system turns a target time into four simple steps.
Set the target
Choose the distance and target time.
Calculate the sequence
The software times each light to create the target pace.
Start the sequence
Start the lights with the workout, time trial, or race.
Follow the pace
Run with the moving lights as your pace reference.
Use cases
Training tool. Race-day signal.
The same visible pace serves different jobs depending on whether the track is hosting a workout or a competition.
During training
Coaches can create repeatable pace targets, separate groups by color, and program changes in pace within a rep.
- Intervals and time trials
- Multiple training groups
- Even, progressive, or varied pacing
- Visible rhythm without constant watch checks
During a meet
Meet staff can display a target pace or record progression so athletes and spectators can see how the race relates to the goal.
- Pre-approved target times
- Coordination with the timer and timing team
- Clear pace colors and event assignments
Terminology
What should you call them?
For the general technology, “pacing lights” or “LED track pacing lights” is the clearest category name.
“Pace lights,” “wave lights,” and “wavelights” are common informal descriptions. Because Wavelight is also a company and product name, use that spelling when referring specifically to its branded system. Use “pacing lights” when discussing the category, rules, training application, or multiple suppliers.
Stridelane builds and operates its own LED track pacing-light system for indoor and outdoor training, time trials, and approved meet use.
- Rules contextWorld Athletics technical documents, NCAA rules announcement, and the March 18, 2026 NFHS interpretation.
Put the pace on your track
Train with it. Race with it. Let everyone see it.
Choose a Stridelane System.