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Based on the speed of the runners, the generally accepted Strategy used in setting up a 4 person relay team is: second fastest, third fastest, slowest, then fastest (anchor). Each segment of the relay (the distance run by one person) is referred to as a leg.

Each runner must hand off the baton to the next runner within a certain zone, usually marked by triangles on the track. In Sprint relays, runners typically use a "blind handoff", where the second runner stands on a spot predetermined in practice and starts running when the first runner hits a visual mark on the track (usually a smaller triangle). The second runner opens her hand behind her after a few strides, by which time the first runner should be caught up and able to hand off the baton. In middle-distance relays or longer, runners begin by jogging while looking back at the incoming runner and holding out a hand for the baton.

A team may be disqualified from a relay for:

  • Losing the baton

  • Making an improper baton exchange

  • Making two False Start s (or in some cases only one)

  • Improperly overtaking another competitor

  • Preventing another competitor from passing

  • Willfully impeding, improperly crossing the course, or in any other way Interfering with another competitor


The world's longest relay race is Japan's Prince Takamatsu Cup Nishinippon Round-Kyushu Ekiden , which begins in Nagasaki and continues for 1064 km.