In case of first false start in a running event, the athlete(s) shall be:

can restart

The correct answer is Option (2) - can restart

In case of a first false start in a running event, the athlete(s) will be warned.

This rule change occurred in 2003 to help improve the pace of competitions and reduce delays caused by multiple false starts. If an athlete false starts again after the warning, then they are disqualified. Under the old rule, an athlete could false start twice without being disqualified. The new rule has been successful in reducing the number of false starts, and races are now able to start and finish more quickly.