The 400-meter relay race is a significant race in major track and field events like the Olympics, the World Championships and national championships. Relay races go to the teams that finish the race in the fastest time, but there are other factors involved besides speed. A relay team must be well-coordinated and possess the ability to pass a baton from one member of the team to the next without dropping it while maintaining maximum speed.
The Race
The 400-meter relay race is one lap around a world-class outdoor track. In this race, each runner runs 100 meters while running with a baton. In this race, each runner must stay in his own lane. Because of the curve of the track, it looks like the runners in the outside lanes have a significant lead on those inside them, but it all evens out by the time the race is finished.
The Start
The leadoff runners in this race start off in starting blocks. They are holding the baton in one hand and then take off when they hear the starter's gun. If a runner leaves the starting blocks early, the gun fires a second time to indicate a false start. The race is started again. If a runner makes a second false start, his team is disqualified from the race.
Passing the Baton
After the runner has run his leg in the 400-meter relay, he hands off the baton to his teammate. That teammate must receive the baton within a 20-meter area. If the pass comes before or after that area, the pass is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. If the baton is dropped while passing or in the middle of the race, the team is also disqualified.
Winning the Race
The team that completes four separate baton passes legally and successfully and has its last runner cross the finish line first wins the race. Because the 400-meter relay involves such fast passes and decisive passes, judges will go over the videotape of significant races (Olympics, World Championships, national championships, Olympic Trials) before declaring the winner.
Member Comments