Relay Race

A relay race is a track and field event and a favorite game at the Olympics. It is also a popular exercise in schools and may involve professional or amateur games. The Olympic relay race sees a variety of relay races, similar but different in size and regulations. During a conventional relay race members of a team take turnings running or swimming. In a baton relay race runners carry and pass to one another a baton, a tubular and symbolic object. Depending on the contest rules, this may involve a “blind” hand off or a strategy in which the four person team is ordered: second fastest, third fastest, slowest and lastly, fastest. Each segment of the relay distance (as run by one person) is called a leg. Planning a running strategy (and training one's self to hold on to the baton!) is how to run relay races successfully.

Relay Race Rules

In a relay race a team may be disqualified for losing the baton, making an improper baton exchange (meaning not within the exchange area or tossed instead of handed down), making two false starts, improperly overtaking another racer, preventing another competitor from passing or improperly crossing the course.

The History Of Relay Racing

What is the origin of the relay race? While racing competitions are as old as man himself, and Olympic games have been taking place as far back as 776 B.C.E., the modern day contest known as the relay race got its start back in the late 19th century.

Types Of Relay Races

Standard relay races involve the 4 x 100 meter relay race and the 4 x 400 meter relay race. However, there are also 4 x 200 meter relayss and 4 x 800 relays. Medley relays are not generally regarded as a competitive sport but are often run at large relay carnivals. Medleys include the Distance Medley Relay and the Sprint Medley Relay. A distance medley involves a 1,200 meter leg, a 400 meter leg, an 800 meter leg and then concludes with a 1,600 meter leg. A Sprint Medley Relay on the other hand, has a 400 meter leg, two different 200 meter legs, and then an 800 meter leg. High schools usually opt for the 4 x 100, 4 x 400, 4 x 800 and 4 x 400 relay race.

Even outside of serious competition, there are relay races for parties, family relay races and kids large group relay races. Family relay races or relay races for kids might strike you as an unusual group activity but they do manage to provide fun, exercise and family strengthening activities.

Whether you love field or track a relay race is a great sport for exercise and friendly competition. Little wonder the relay race has been a favorite of this country for many years.