What is Relay Running?

What is Relay Running?

Relay running is a collective event consisting of sprinting and baton passing.

Starting

(1) Baton Holder's Start: When the first leg runner starts, they need to hold the baton with one hand and use a crouched position to initiate the run. The commonly used method for holding the baton is using the middle, ring, and little fingers of the right hand to grip the end of the baton, with the thumb and index finger spread apart to support the ground.

(2) Baton Receiver's Start: The baton receiver employs a standing start. Positioned within the exchange zone or at the rear end of the relay zone, the receiver turns their head to the side or back, keeping an eye on the baton passer and the marking line. As the baton passer reaches the marking line, the receiver swiftly starts running.

Baton Exchange

There are generally two methods for baton exchange: the upward toss method and the downward push method.

(1) Upward Toss Method: The receiver extends their arm naturally backward, palm facing the rear, fingers together, and the hand slightly open facing downward. The baton passer tosses the baton from below, sending it into the receiver's hand.

(2) Downward Push Method: The receiver's arm is extended backward, palm facing upward, with the thumb pointing inward and the other four fingers together facing outward, forming an open space facing the rear. The baton passer pushes the front end of the baton downward and forward, placing it into the receiver's hand.

After the baton receiver starts running, both the baton passer and the receiver enter the relay zone one after the other. When the baton passer is approximately 1.5 meters away from the receiver, they give the baton exchange signal, swiftly passing the relay baton to the receiving team member.