RELAY RACE

Relay race involves teams of four runners, each running a separate race, known as a leg. The relay race begins when the first of the four runners begins their leg, and ends when the fourth runner finishes their leg.

In order to continue the race without starting a new one at the end of each leg, the four runners pass a stick, known as a baton, to each other, signifying the end of one leg, and the start of another. The runners carry the baton during their entire leg.

Setting runner postion:1. First Leg: Second fastest runner and quickest out of the

blocks.2. Second Leg: Best straight away runner.3. Third Leg: Best curve runner.4. Fourth Leg: Fastest runner and best competitor.

The exchange of the baton is very important in relay races. This is where a runner completing their leg passes the baton to the next runner beginning their leg. In most races, this is where the team can loose time and position, or be disqualified. When a runner is finishing a leg and is preparing to hand off the baton to the next runner, the passing of the baton takes place in the exchange zone.

This zone is marked off on the track, and is the only place where the baton can pass from one runner to the next. If the baton is handed off outside of this area, the team is disqualified.

In sprint relays, the baton is handed off alternately from hand to hand. The number one runner sprints with the baton in the right hand and hands off to the left hand of the number two runner. The number two runner hands off to the right hand of the number three runner and the number three runner hands off to the left hand of the number four runner.

Popular step of Relay Baton Exchange:1. Upon command or when incoming runner hits mark,

outgoing runner begins to sprint.2. Outgoing runner reaches back with receiving hand

almost parallel to track.3. Palm is facing up, forming a "V," with thumb turned

toward torso.4. Incoming runner places baton in receiver's hand with a

downward sweeping motion.5. Outgoing runner takes baton from incoming runner.

The team who their fourth runner finishes their leg firstly is the winner in this sport.

By: Kuni Mawaddah IXD / 16