Relay races, in the entire track event and field events, are the only group activity where four runners participate as a team. Each of them runs only one stage in the race. During the progress of the race the runners pass a baton to the next within a specified zone. In the 4 x 400 m the first runner in each team has to cover the full lap in lane and the second runner has to keep in his lane until entry to the back straight.

The central line of the first takeover zones can be determined by advancing the normal starting stagger in each lane for 200 m race by the distance the points of denouement from the lanes, VIZ B2 B3 B4B5 B6 are in advance of the line A1 Y, The takeover zone will be within two lines set out 10 m either side of this central line in each lane. The takeover zones for the second and last takeovers will be the normal 10 m lines either side of the start/finish line AA. Lines shall be drawn across the track to mark the distances of the stages and to denote the scratch line.

The baton must be carried in hand throughout the race and must be passed within takeover zones. If dropped, it must be recovered by the athlete who dropped it. Teams may change their running order between preliminaries and finals. Teams may not, however, substitute reserves for those who originally started the competition, except in cases of injury or illness.

Relay Baton
Relay baton is a hollow circular tube made of wood or metal. Its length should be 28 cm to 30 cm and circumference 120 mm but weight should not be less than 50 gm.

Road Races
Standard distance for men and women are 15 km, 20 km, half marathon, 25 km, 30 km and marathon.

Walking
Walking is defined as a progress by steps so taken that unbroken contact with the ground is maintained. One of the feet must be on the ground; the legs must be straightened at least for one moment from the knee. Rules are as follows:
(a) 20 km - In 20 km road walk, maximum circuit permitted is three km.
(b) 50 km - In this event, refreshments are provided by the organisers at the refreshment stations at every five km mark. Refreshments may also be carried by the athlete himself but they shall be made available at the point nominated by competitors.
(c) For all walking events of 10 km or more, sponging points are made available at suitable intervals, if weather conditions warrant such provisions.
(d) Three judges preferably from three nationalities or two judges if one of them is elected as Chief Judge shall supervise the event.
e) Disqualification is indicated by a red flag. A competitor may be cautioned once, indicated by a white flag