A relay race is a team running event in which a group of athletes divide a total course into consecutive segments called legs. Each runner carries a baton or similar object and must transfer it to the next teammate within a designated exchange area. Relays appear in track and field, road races and cross-country formats and are contested at school, club, national and international levels.

Format and rules

Most relays require strict adherence to exchange rules: the baton must be carried by a competitor and physically passed within a marked exchange zone or the team risks disqualification. Teams are commonly composed of four runners, though organizers sometimes use other team sizes or mixed-gender formats. Sprint relays often use blind handoffs—where the receiving runner does not look back—while longer relays favor visual exchanges and a running start.

Common events and variations

  • Sprint relays: Four-member teams covering short distances in lanes, typically featuring rapid baton exchanges. See a description of the sprinter roles for team order strategy.
  • 4x100 and 4x400: The best-known track relays at championships and the Olympics; each has different tactical demands and pacing.
  • Medley and distance relays: Events that mix leg lengths or extend over many kilometers—examples include staged road relays and the Japanese ekiden tradition.

History and development

Relay competitions grew from informal baton-passing contests into standardized events as athletics developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were adopted into major international meets and became fixtures of championships because they combine individual speed with teamwork. Long-distance relays, where teams cover dozens of legs over hours or days, have expanded participation by offering more accessible distances per runner.

Strategy, safety and notable facts

Teams choose runner order to balance fast starts, smooth exchanges and a strong anchor leg. Drops, lane violations or exchanges outside the permitted zone are common causes of disqualification; careful practice of baton technique is essential. Relays are often dramatic finales at meets and highlight teamwork in an otherwise individual sport. For basic equipment and baton specifications, consult resources on baton handling and general athletics rules. Recreational and long-distance relay events may list leg lengths in kilometers or miles (for example, 5–10 km or 3–6 miles per leg).