Where must the baton change hands?
B · Beginner · The event and the start · 4 of 7The baton must change hands inside the takeover zone, which is 30 m long in the 4 × 100 m and 20 m long in the 4 × 400 m. Only the position of the baton counts, not the runners' bodies. The outgoing runner must also start running from inside the zone. A pass outside the zone disqualifies the team.
How it works
- The 30 m zone: used in the 4 × 100 m, 4 × 100 m Mixed and 4 × 200 m. It is also used for the first and second changes of the Medley Relay. The scratch line is 20 m from the beginning of the zone.
- The 20 m zone: used in the 4 × 400 m, 4 × 400 m Mixed and longer relays. It is also used for the third change of the Medley Relay. The scratch line is in the centre.
- Where the zone begins and ends: at the edges of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction.
- When the pass starts and ends: it "commences when it is first touched by the receiving athlete and is completed the moment it is in the hand of only the receiving athlete".
- What counts: "it is only the position of the baton which is decisive".
- Outside the zone: "Passing of the baton outside the takeover zone shall result in disqualification."
- Starting to run: athletes "are not permitted to begin running outside their takeover zones, and shall start within the zone".
- One mark on the track: when the leg is run in lanes, the waiting athlete may put down one piece of tape, at most 0.05 m by 0.40 m, in their own lane.
- After the pass: athletes who have handed over stay in their lanes or hold their position until the track is clear.
Tricky cases
The outgoing runner's feet are beyond the zone but the baton is still inside it when it changes hands. Is the pass legal?
Yes. Only the position of the baton is decisive.
The outgoing runner reaches back and touches the baton before it has entered the zone. Is that a fault?
Yes. The pass begins when the receiving athlete first touches the baton, so the whole baton has to be inside the zone at that moment.
Can the outgoing runner start their run a few metres before the zone to build up speed?
No. They must start within the zone.
After handing over, a runner drifts into the next lane and blocks another team. What happens?
The obstruction rule applies, and the runner's team may be disqualified.
Why the rule exists
The zone gives every team the same stretch of track to complete the same task. Judging by the baton, and not by feet or hands, gives the umpires one object to watch against two lines.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 24.3; TR 24.7; TR 24.8; TR 24.21 |
| Relays not run in lanes | No marks may be placed on the track | TR 17.7; TR 24.4 |
| Stepping out of the lane during the pass | Not a fault on its own if no advantage is gained and nobody is obstructed | TR 24.7; TR 17.3.2 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 24.2 to 24.4, 24.7, 24.8 and 24.21 with the commentary printed under them. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).