Note 480 — Chapter XIII · THE FOOT-RACE
Reading edition
The only vase which could possibly represent this position is a r.-f. skyphos reproduced in J.H.S. xxiii. p. 283. It represents a hoplitodromos leaning forward, his right hand resting on the ground. But it will be remarked that his feet are in the usual position, level with the pillar where the starting lines should be. Opposite stands an official in the attitude shown in Fig. 47, and I am now inclined to think that the runner in practising a start has overbalanced himself, and that the official is telling him to get back to his mark.