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GAMES & ACTIVITIES
AN INTRODUCTIONTO
ENDURANCERUNNING
SECTION 4
24
Continuous Relays
Continuous relays can be held on a standard 400m track, one of the mini tracks detailed in Section
two or on a track marked on a games field or parkland area and even in and out of some woodland
as long as the sections are approximately the same. It is not essential for the lengths of the
sections to be exact but measured “near enough”.
Continuous Relay - 400m Track
The example shown is for three teams of nine members running on a 400m track but this relay
can be organised for teams with from 6 and 12 members. This activity is most suited to primary
aged children.
For teams of nine members, the track is divided into eight segments each measuring 50 metres.
The distance between the cones is short so each member is required to run several times,
however, the number of laps will change depending on the number in each team.
To help with planning, the table contains a schedule of sections and lengths related to team size:
If there are only two or three teams then it is not necessary to allocate lanes for the start. With four
or more teams the arrangements can be made to run the first bend in lanes. From the start, the
baton is passed from runner to runner with the last runner eventually passing the baton back to
the first runner. This continues until the declared number of laps have been completed.
It is recommended to use teams of nine children as shown because of the ease of dividing the
track into eight sections of 50 metres each. Having one or two extra children over when the teams
are selected is overcome by allowing two children to run the same leg together.
START
Runner 1
Runner 2
Runner 3
Runner 4
Runner 5
Runner 6
Runner 7
Runner 8
Runner 9
Team Size
Number of Sections
Section Lengths
6
5
80m
7
6
67m (approx)
8
7
57m (approx)
9
8
50m
10
9
44.5m (approx)
11
10
40m
12
11
36.5m (approx)
Example showing a team of
nine runners on a 400m track
Tip! The use of coloured
bibs in continuous relays
is really useful in aiding
team identification
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©EVEQUE
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE