Endurance Handbook

AN INTRODUCTIONTO ENDURANCERUNNING

SECTION 4

GAMES & ACTIVITIES 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: WEB COPY ©EVEQUE 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

Team Size

Number of Sections

Section Lengths

6 7 8 9

5 6 7 8 9

80m

67m (approx) 57m (approx)

50m

10 11 12

44.5m (approx)

10 11

40m

36.5m (approx)

Runner 2

Runner 1

Example showing a team of nine runners on a 400m track

START

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. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE Runner 3 Runner 4 Runner 5 Runner 6 Runner 7 Runner 8 Runner 9 Tip! The use of coloured bibs in continuous relays is really useful in aiding team identification

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