In athletics, a relay race involves teams of runners competing to finish a race in sequence, with each athlete running a specific segment before passing a baton to the next teammate. The exchange of the baton must occur within a defined area, adding a strategic element to the race. Relay races emphasize teamwork, speed, and precision. Popular relay events include the 4x100 meters and 4x400 meters, where athletes work together to achieve the best overall time.