estafettes

Estafette is a relay race in track and field in which a team of runners completes a distance by passing a baton from one athlete to the next. The term is of French origin; estafette originally referred to a courier relay and was adopted into athletic terminology to describe the baton relay used in competition.

Most common estafette events are sprint relays, especially the 4x100 metres and the 4x400 metres. Other formats include medley relays, where different legs cover varying distances, and mixed relays in which teams include both men and women.

During an estafette, each runner completes their leg before handing the baton to the next runner within a marked exchange zone. Teams must stay within designated lanes, and improper baton passes or exits from the zone can lead to disqualification. The order of runners is often planned for speed, stamina, and strategic considerations, with the anchor leg typically used to close the race.

Estafette events are a staple of modern athletics competitions, including the Olympic Games and national championships. The word estafette remains common in French- and Dutch-speaking contexts, while English speakers typically use “relay” as the general term. In addition to their competitive appeal, estafettes emphasize teamwork, timing, and precision in baton exchanges.

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