4 x 400 m relay

The 4 x 400 m relay or long relay is an athletics track event in which teams comprise four runners who each complete 400 m or 1 lap. It is traditionally the final event of a track meet. At top class events the first 500 m is run in lanes, so start lines are staggered by more than in a 400 m race. Runners have a 20 m box (usually marked with blue lines) to hand over the baton, which is the responsibility of the outgoing runner due to the fatigue of the incoming runner. Disqualification is rare.

Related Topics:
Athletics - 400 m - Baton

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The event is often exciting because a psychological advantage for a chasing runner means that the race lead can change hands frequently. As runners have a rolling start, split times cannot be compared to individual 400 m performances. Internationally, the US mens team has dominated the event, challenged by Jamaica in the 1950s and Great Britain in the 1990s. The womens world record was set by USSR.

Related Topics:
Psychological - US - Jamaica - USSR

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