Váltófutások

Váltófutások, often translated as relay races, are a type of track and field event where teams of runners compete by passing a baton. The core principle involves each runner completing a segment of the race and then transferring the baton to the next teammate within a designated exchange zone. The success of a team in a váltófutás depends not only on the speed of individual runners but also on the efficiency and coordination of their baton exchanges.

There are several standard distances for váltófutások in athletics. The most common are the 4x100 meters and the 4x400 meters. The 4x100 meters is a sprint event characterized by its short, fast legs and the critical importance of precise baton handoffs. The 4x400 meters, on the other hand, is a middle-distance event that requires both speed and endurance, with the baton exchange occurring at a slightly slower pace than in the 4x100. Other variations exist, including the 4x200 meters and mixed-gender relays.

The baton itself is a smooth, hollow tube, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, and is a mandatory piece of equipment for the race. If a baton is dropped and not recovered by the runner, the team is disqualified. Váltófutások are popular in both amateur and professional athletics, often concluding major track and field competitions due to their inherent team-based excitement and dramatic potential for upsets. They test not only individual athletic prowess but also the crucial element of teamwork.