Four runners each cover a segment of a race and pass a baton to the next team member within a marked zone. That team event is a relay. Speed matters, yet baton exchanges often decide the result.

Standard track relays include the 4×100 meters and 4×400 meters. Smooth, rapid changeovers require precise timing and repeated practice. Dropping the baton or exchanging outside the zone brings disqualification. Team selection balances individual speed with reliability under pressure.

Relays create a distinctive atmosphere because individual effort is immediately linked to teammates. A strong final leg can overcome an earlier deficit; a fumbled exchange can waste the best individual times. The baton is a simple object that carries the whole team’s chances.

• Team race with successive runners and a baton
• Exchanges must occur within a defined zone
• Combines individual speed with technical precision
• Highly sensitive to changeover quality