What the zone is
The exchange zone is a 30-meter section of the track, marked by lines, within which the baton must pass fully from the incoming to the outgoing runner. It is the baton's position that matters, not the runners' feet.
The exchange zone is the marked area on the track where the baton must change hands in a relay. The pass has to be completed inside it, or the team is disqualified, which makes the zone one of the most important strips of track in the sport. Here is what it is and how it works.
The exchange zone is a 30-meter section of the track, marked by lines, within which the baton must pass fully from the incoming to the outgoing runner. It is the baton's position that matters, not the runners' feet.
If the baton is exchanged before the zone starts or after it ends, the team is disqualified. The outgoing runner usually leaves on a go-mark set behind the zone so they hit full speed inside it.
The zone gives the outgoing runner room to build speed before the handoff, so the baton never slows to a standstill. Used well, it is what makes a relay faster than four open races added up.
A legal, fast pass is a matter of inches and timing. Film the exchange against the zone lines, the AI shows where the baton changed hands and whether the outgoing runner was at speed, so you can move the go-mark with confidence.
Follow up in chat and ask questions. The AI remembers your analysis and speaks the language of relays coaching.
A 30-meter zone with a go-mark behind it. The clean handoff happens in the middle, at full speed, fully inside the lines.
Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.
A directory of every relays page on the site, from broad analysis tools to specific phase deep-dives. Each entry points to a focused write-up.
Download the app. Film a rep. See what the AI sees. Free first analysis, no card, no account required.