stafétát

Stafétát is the baton used in relay races in track and field. In Hungarian, the term staféta covers both the relay event and the baton that is handed between athletes; stafétát is the accusative form of staféta. The concept is common across many languages, where the baton is the physical symbol of the relay exchange.

The stafétát is a hollow cylindrical baton, typically about 28 to 30 centimeters long with a diameter of roughly 12 to 15 millimeters. It is usually made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, or plastic, and is decorated in the team’s colors with identifying markings. It must have a smooth surface to minimize injury during exchanges.

In competition, the baton is transferred from the incoming runner to the outgoing runner within a designated takeover zone on the track. Exchanges must occur within this zone; a dropped baton may be recovered by the same runner and a legal pass may occur if the handoff is completed within the zone. Falling outside the zone can lead to disqualification for the team.

History and usage: The baton exchange is a central element of relay racing and was standardized in modern athletics in the 20th century. While sprint relays emphasize rapid handoffs, the same basic principle applies across different relay events, from short to long distances.

See also: Relay race, World Athletics rules, track and field.