There are several variations and formats for triathlon relays. Broadly there are three are main structures to a triathlon relay:
1. Each teammate completes one discipline so that, together, the team finishes a full classic-distance triathlon.
2. Each teammate races a full super-sprint triathlon—swim, bike, run—before tagging the next teammate.
3. Teammates work in sequence: the first teammate swims, then tags the next to swim; after all swims finish, they repeat the same tag-and-go pattern for the bike leg and again for the run, using super-sprint distances.
Regarding track and field, there are two main types of relays. First of all, the 4×100 meter relay, followed by the 4×400 meter relay. These can be single gender or mixed.
Firstly, 4×100 is a race where 4 players run 100 meters and exchange a baton within an earmarked section. Speed, accuracy, as well as collaboration is key to win. The 4×100 relay is an event in which the aim is to finish in the shortest time. Each of the 4 runners goes 100 meters before passing on a baton in an exchange zone. Practice is about running as fast as you can, passing the baton as speedily as possible, and being as good as can be as a team. How well the baton is relayed, speed, and teamwork creates the overall performance of a 4×400 team. The event is quite dependent on anaerobic power since each runner is going as hard as they can for such a brief period.
Secondly, there are 4 runners in the 4×400 meters relay. Each of them runs once around the 400-meter track. They exchange a baton in a designated zone. It is a test of endurance as well as speed. Relays involve speed as well as teamwork. All the runners must maintain an even pace for 400 meters, with both passing and pace being crucial in order to win. The 4×400 relay is a difficult test, with all the runners going as hard as they can and as fast as they can in order to cross the line first, hence being one of the most exhilarating events in track and field.
