Staffellauf

A Staffellauf is a team running event in which members complete parts of a distance in sequence, passing a baton or similar token to the next runner at designated changeover points. It is a common format in track and field, cross country and road racing and appears in major competitions such as national championships and the Olympic Games.

Relays were formalized as an athletic discipline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and have since developed standardized distances and formats. On the track, the best-known events are the short sprint relay and the longer distance relay, each typically organized in four legs. Teams may also compete in medley relays, where leg lengths vary, and in mixed-gender events, which have become more common in international competitions.

Success in a Staffellauf depends on individual speed, smooth baton exchanges and team strategy. Exchanges must occur within marked zones; improper handovers or dropping the baton can lead to time loss or disqualification. Teams use different techniques for passing—visual and blind handoffs—to optimize speed and reduce risk.

Beyond competition, relay races serve as a training tool to develop speed endurance, teamwork and race tactics. They remain a popular spectator event due to their fast pace and dramatic changeovers.