4x100m Relay 30m Exchange Zone Marking Specifications
Under modern World Athletics Technical Rule 24.3 (formerly Rule 170), NCAA Rule 5, and NFHS Track & Field standards, all 4x100m relay events utilize a unified 30-meter takeover zone.
The takeover zone begins exactly 20.00 meters before the scratch line and extends 10.00 meters after the scratch line (total zone length = 30.00m). Outgoing runners may begin accelerating anywhere inside this 30-meter zone. The baton exchange must be completed strictly between the inside edges of the 30-meter boundary marks.
4x100m Takeover Zone Layout Schedule (400m Standard Track)
| Exchange Zone | Track Location | Scratch Reference | Zone Entry Line | Zone Exit Line | Official Paint Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (100m) | Exit of Turn 1 (Bend to Back Straight) | 100m Scratch Line | 80.00m from Start | 110.00m from Start | Yellow hooks pointing inward |
| Zone 2 (200m) | Exit of Back Straight / Entrance of Turn 2 | 200m Scratch Line | 180.00m from Start | 210.00m from Start | Yellow hooks pointing inward |
| Zone 3 (300m) | Exit of Turn 2 (Bend to Home Straight) | 300m Scratch Line | 280.00m from Start | 310.00m from Start | Yellow hooks pointing inward |
Equal-quadrant 400m track (Radius: 36.50m, Straight: 84.39m, Lane Width: 1.22m, Kerb: 0.30m raised).
| Lane # | Inside Radius (m) | Running Radius (m) | Full Lap Distance (m) | Start Stagger (Meters) | Start Stagger (Feet/Inches) | Differential vs Prev Lane |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lane 1 | 36.500 m | 36.800 m | 400.001 m | 0.000 m (Finish) | 0′ 0″ | — |
| Lane 2 | 37.720 m | 37.920 m | 407.038 m | +7.037 m | 23′ 1″ | +7.037 m |
| Lane 3 | 38.940 m | 39.140 m | 414.704 m | +14.703 m | 48′ 3″ | +7.665 m |
| Lane 4 | 40.160 m | 40.360 m | 422.369 m | +22.368 m | 73′ 5″ | +7.665 m |
| Lane 5 | 41.380 m | 41.580 m | 430.035 m | +30.034 m | 98′ 6″ | +7.665 m |
| Lane 6 | 42.600 m | 42.800 m | 437.700 m | +37.699 m | 123′ 8″ | +7.665 m |
| Lane 7 | 43.820 m | 44.020 m | 445.366 m | +45.365 m | 148′ 10″ | +7.665 m |
| Lane 8 | 45.040 m | 45.240 m | 453.031 m | +53.030 m | 174′ 0″ | +7.665 m |
Understanding the Historic 2018 Rule Change: Why the 10m Acceleration Zone Was Eliminated
Prior to November 2017, the 4x100m relay was governed by the "20m exchange zone + 10m acceleration zone" rule. Incoming and outgoing athletes had to pass the baton inside a 20-meter window, but the outgoing runner was allowed to place a checkmark and start sprinting up to 10 meters before the zone (the "fly zone").
World Athletics eliminated this distinction to simplify officiating and track striping. Under current rules:
- The older 10m acceleration mark is now the official start of the 30-meter takeover zone.
- Athletes can position themselves anywhere within the 30m zone, but cannot place checkmarks outside their own lane or outside the 30m boundary.
- In high school (NFHS) and collegiate (NCAA) competition, tracks that still feature the older small triangle tick marks 10m before the exchange zone treat that tick mark as the legal beginning of the exchange zone.
Track Paint Color Codes & Hook Geometry for Relays
According to Section 2.2 of the World Athletics Facilities Manual, relay markings must follow strict geometric dimensions and standardized colors so athletes and visual umpires can differentiate events on multi-use tracks:
| Relay Event | Zone Length | Scratch Line Color | Boundary Mark Shape | Marking Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x100m Relay | 30.00 m | White (100m, 200m, 300m) | Yellow Hooks / Chevrons | 800mm × 50mm hook pointing into zone |
| 4x400m Relay (Leg 1) | 20.00 m | Blue (500m / Finish Line) | Blue Hooks / Chevrons | 800mm × 50mm hook pointing into zone |
| 4x200m Relay | 30.00 m | Red / Green split | Red Hooks | 800mm × 50mm hook pointing into zone |
Official Officiating & Disqualification Rules (WA TR 24.6–24.8)
- Baton Position Determines Legality: The legal exchange is judged solely by the position of the baton, not the athletes' feet, torsos, or limbs. The baton must break the vertical plane of the entry line and fully cross before breaking the vertical plane of the exit line.
- Dropped Batons: If the baton is dropped, the athlete who dropped it must physically recover it. If dropped during the exchange inside the 30m zone, either athlete may recover it without impeding adjacent lane runners.
- Lane Interference: Runners must remain in their assigned lanes after passing the baton until the track is clear. Exiting a lane and obstructing an incoming athlete in an outer lane results in immediate team disqualification.
Other Track Marking Calculators
Check the 400m 2-Turn Stagger Chart, review 200m 1-Turn Bend Staggers, mark grass with How to Mark Track on Grass (DIY), or check Official Hurdle Placement Specifications.