How does a road relay work?
A · Advanced · The event · 1 of 5A road relay is recommended to be run over the marathon distance in six stages of 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km and 7.195 km. Each changeover takes place inside a 20 m takeover zone, by physical contact between the two runners unless the organisers say otherwise. A team that breaks the takeover rule is disqualified.
How it works
- The stages: the recommended relay is over the marathon distance, "with stages of 5km, 10km, 5km, 10km, 5km, 7.195km", ideally on a 5 km loop.
- Under-20: a half marathon is recommended, with stages of 5 km, 5 km, 5 km and 6.098 km.
- The scratch line: a line 50 mm wide across the course marks the start of each stage.
- The zone: similar lines are drawn 10 m before and 10 m after the scratch line "to denote the takeover zone".
- Waiting inside: athletes "are not permitted to begin running outside their takeover zones, and shall start within the zone".
- The changeover: unless the organisers specify otherwise, it is "a physical contact between the incoming and outgoing athletes", and it must be completed inside the zone.
- The penalty: "If an athlete does not follow this Rule, their team shall be disqualified."
- Everything else: the ordinary road race rules on the course, drinks, help and conduct apply to each runner.
Tricky cases
Is there a baton in a road relay?
No, not under the rule as written. The changeover is a physical contact between the two runners unless the organisers specify something else, such as a sash.
Can the outgoing runner start jogging 20 m before the zone to get up to speed?
No. They must start inside the takeover zone.
The two runners touch 2 m beyond the far line. What happens?
The team is disqualified. The changeover must be completed inside the zone.
Do all road relays have six stages?
No. The six stages over the marathon distance are a recommendation. Organisers may set other formats.
Why the rule exists
A zone fixes where each stage begins, so that every team's runners cover the same distances. Making the outgoing runner start inside it stops a flying changeover that would shorten the next stage.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 55.1 (note); TR 55.5 |
| Track relays | A baton is carried, and the zone is 30 m in the sprint relays | TR 24 |
| World records | The relay must be run in the six stages listed, each measured to within 1% | CR 31.21 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 55.1 (note) and 55.5 and Competition Rule 31.21. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).