Fired from the "starting pistol."

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Note added at 23 mins (2009-06-10 01:04:58 GMT)
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A deafening starting shot echoed off the scarcely filled stands, and Patty Rosa was off to a good start for M.A.T.’s girls relay team. Arelis Domenech and Aviance Burketc, second and third runner for M.A.T., kept the race close with a smooth exchange of the baton, but it all came down to Miranda Cotto. In a head-to-head race with City Track, Cotto sprinted the last 145 meters shoulder-to-shoulder and tied for second place with 1:29.41.

http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_249/mattracksters.html

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Note added at 24 mins (2009-06-10 01:06:09 GMT)
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Prior to each start, the names of those skaters about to compete are to be clearly announced at the starting point itself and in the dressing area. Failure to appear promptly at the start is equivalent to withdrawal from the distance. Once at the starting area, skaters place themselves at the pre-start line, which is two meters (6.56 feet) behind the start line.

Next, the starter orders the skaters to the start line, where the skaters take a stable position. The starter will then call "ready," whereupon the skaters take their starting position and keep this position until the starting shot is fired. Competitors must keep their skates entirely behind the starting line and may not have their skates on or over the starting line. In addition, the skaters may not touch the starting line or be in contact with the ice beyond the starting line with any parts of their body or equipment.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/newscenter/news/newsid=257206.htm...

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Note added at 26 mins (2009-06-10 01:07:53 GMT)
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There it is. The starting shot. About 1,700 triathletes jump with a loud, yelling scream into the emerald green Pacific Ocean that immediately turns into a simmering piranha bowl. 2.4 long miles (3,86 km) of water have to be taken as the first hurdle. But after a while you find your rhythm and don't let yourself bother anymore by other "piranhas". Because of the climate on Hawaii there are no wet suits allowed which usually help bad swimmers to balance their position in the water.

http://www.triathlonadventures.com/ironman-triathlon.html