Why do runners not dive more often? In ESPN's "Sport Science" video feature, it is explained that when exactly a runner starts the dive, may provide some insight as to its actual effectiveness. YES The beginning of the dive is actually faster - but only for a split second - than running itself. NO But detractors may be heartened to know that deceleration kicks in as soon as your feet leave the ground on a dive. So diving sprinters may fare worse than their counterparts who finish on their feet.