Running is one of the prominent health factors that we try to consider every morning. But running on tracks is different. We get into different moods when it’s about the competition.
We all want to win competitions, but relay races are different. When it comes to relay races, we also need to think of our fitness level and capabilities.
With various confusions, myths start to get into action. Creating myths is always related to people’s convenience and mistrust of things that are tough to conquer.
Here we will discuss the myths spread around relay races and the real factors behind all the myths.
What Is A Relay Race?
The relay race is one of the most adrenaline-pumping running events. It is tough, and it seeks teamwork. A race where you will run not alongside your teammate but after your teammate to complete the track as fast as possible is known as a relay race.
Here you will need to share the ‘baton’ with your teammates when you reach them. For instance, if you consider a team with four mates, you will have to share the whole track in four parts while transferring the baton every time to the next runner.
The relay race was first invented in ancient Greece with message sticks to pass. Here you will need to consider teamwork and coordination at their best. Thus running fast will not be enough.
Recently the relay race was also listed in the Olympic Games. So, it’s time to get rid of myths and get to know actual facts about race.
Myths Vs. Facts On Relay Race
The myths and facts are always there within us. Sometimes you know the facts about a particular thing that another person doesn’t know. On the other hand, when you are on myths, the other person knows the facts. So, it goes on, and the only solution is to ask and know more by digging into the real factors.
On the other hand, getting prepared for relay races is related to getting rid of myths.
Myth 1: A Dropped Relay Baton Results In Disqualification
Fact:
Most of the time, we see racers leave the track thinking of disqualification when they drop the baton unwillingly. Well, it is a big myth that you need to get rid of before you join the race.
According to the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), dropping a baton in the middle of the race will not lead to disqualification. But there is a process to avoid disqualification.
The person who dropped the baton will need to pick it up and go back to the place where he dropped it and then run again. This process will help you to continue the game.
Myth 2: Knocking Down The Hurdles Will Lead To A Disqualifier
Fact:
Often in a 4x100m relay race, we see players knock down the hurdle due to tiredness or imbalance of the body. But that is not a sign of disqualification. In fact, you will still be able to continue the race if you have not done the thing intentionally.
So, try to continue with the race without being concerned about the hurdle.
Myth 3: Relay Race Only Considers 4x100m
Fact:
This is one of the biggest myths about relay races. When someone speaks about the relay, we think of this track, but there is another track that we can choose in different competitions.
For instance, the overnight relay race is a popular relay in various communities. Maybe not in the Olympics, but it can still be your choice as a different factor.
Don’t forget that organizers also consider 4 x 400 m relay races.
Myth 4: Only Four Players’ Team Can Join A Relay Race
Fact:
This is another myth that we know only about the 4x100m relay race. Yes! There are only four players who can make the team run this relay track.
But what about the overnight relay race?
Well, only four players will not be able to cover the track. There are two other options to go for. 6 or 12 players can create a relay team to run the overnight tracks.
Myth 5: More Miles = Knee Suicide
Fact:
This is a racing myth that we hear from many people. More knees mean more pressure on your legs while running. Every time we run, we put twice the weight of our body with every step.
But the study suggests that there is no evidence of knee problems due to race. In fact, we may get osteoarthritis due to obesity and genetics but not because of the relay race.