How do starting blocks work for track runners?

Answer by  worker3742 (208)

Starting blocks are placed behind a track runner before he starts the race in order for him to gain leverage through pushing off a diagonal object rather than having to push off from a horizontal object, that being the ground.

Answer by  caporfirio (804)

The block allows for a runner to jump to a start. Before the use of starting blocks, runners would start a race from a crouched position. The blocks, legalized in the 1930's, helped the runners to stablaise their rear foot to avoid injury that would sometimes occur from the crouched postion.