Which parts of a relay are run in lanes, and where do the waiting runners stand?
I · Intermediate · The event and the start · 3 of 9The 4 × 100 m is run in lanes all the way. In the 4 × 400 m only the first leg and the start of the second are in lanes. For the later changes the waiting runners line up from the inside in the order their team-mates enter the last bend, and may not swap places.
How it works
- 4 × 100 m: "shall be run entirely in lanes".
- 4 × 400 m: in lanes for the first leg and for the second leg as far as the breakline, which gives three bends in lanes.
- Small fields: where no more than four teams compete, lanes should be used for the first bend only.
- 4 × 200 m: entirely in lanes where possible, with two other arrangements allowed.
- Medley Relay: in lanes for the first two legs and for the third as far as the breakline.
- 4 × 800 m: in lanes for the first bend, or without lanes.
- Longer relays: without lanes.
- Waiting for the third and fourth legs of the 4 × 400 m: athletes "place themselves in their waiting position in the same order (inside to out) as the order of their respective team members as they enter the last bend".
- Holding that order: once the incoming runners have passed that point, the waiting athletes "shall maintain their order, and shall not exchange positions at the beginning of the takeover zone".
- The penalty: a team whose athlete breaks these rules is disqualified.
- Until the pass is complete: the lane rules apply to the incoming runner until the baton is in the hand of the receiving runner alone, and to the receiving runner after that.
Tricky cases
A team is third into the last bend and overtakes to lead in the home straight. Can its waiting runner move to the inside?
No. The order is set as the team-mates enter the last bend and must be kept from then on.
In the 4 × 400 m, can the second runner cut to the inside as soon as they have the baton?
No. The second leg is run in lanes as far as the breakline.
Is a 4 × 100 m runner who drifts out of their lane on the straight disqualified?
No, not for that alone. Running outside the lane on the straight is a fault only if another athlete is obstructed or an advantage is gained.
Why the rule exists
When lanes are given up, four teams arrive at the same piece of track at once. Fixing the waiting order from a point before the handover stops outgoing runners fighting for the inside, which is how collisions and dropped batons happen.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 24.14 to 24.23 |
| Relays with no lanes at the changeover | Waiting runners may take an inner position as their team-mate approaches, if they do not jostle or obstruct | TR 24.23 |
| Tracking the order | Transponders or cameras may be used to show officials the order at the last bend | TR 24.22 commentary |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 17.5, 24.8 and 24.14 to 24.23. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).