Description

This is one of my favorites and in my opinion the most exciting race in track and field. The 4 x 400 metres relay is an athletics track event in which teams comprise four runners who each complete 400 metres or 1 lap. It is traditionally the final event of a track meet. A 4x400 relay generally starts in lanes for the first leg, including the handoff. The second leg then proceeds to run in lanes for the first 100 meters, after which point the runners are allowed to break into the first lane on the backstretch, as long as they do not interfere with other runners. A race organizer then puts the third leg runners into a line depending on the order in which they are running (with the first place closest to the inside).

A team may be disqualified for:
• Losing the baton
• Touching the inner line three consecutive steps
• Making an improper baton exchange
• Making two false starts (or in some cases only one)
• Improperly overtaking another competitor
• Preventing another competitor from passing
• Willfully impeding, improperly crossing the course, or in any other way interfering with another competitor

Greats: United States

Cool Gear

The event is often exciting because a psychological advantage for a chasing runner means that the race lead can change hands frequently. As runners have a rolling start, split times cannot be compared to individual 400 m performances. Internationally, the U.S. men's team has dominated the event, challenged by Jamaica in the 1950s and Great Britain in the 1990s.

Men's Outdoor World Record was set by the USA in Uniondale, NY on 22 July 1998 in a time of 2:54.20
• Jerome Young (44.3)
• Antonio Pettigrew (43.2)
• Tyree Washington (43.4)
• Michael Johnson (43.3)

Men's Indoor World Record was set by the USA in Maebashi, Japan on 7 March 1999 in a time of 3:02.83
• Andre Morris
• Dameon Johnson
• Deon Minor
• Milton Campbell
(Recently a better performance of 3:01.96 (USA) was annulled because no EPO analysis was performed.)

Nike Men's Zoom Maxcat

Nike’s lightest sprint spike designed for the serious 100-400 meter sprinter who craves lightweight and flexibility. Minimal, light and uniquely crafted synthetic (perforated) leather upper adds lightweight breathability and support, integrated forefoot lockdown. Low-profile midsole. Flexible Pebax® plate lets the foot act naturally on the ground for great performance, five removable pin plate. Wt. 5.5 oz.

Nike Women's Zoom Rival S III

The Nike Zoom Rival S III is a entry-level sprint shoe designed for the high school athlete. Lean and light synthetic one-piece vamp creates perfect forefoot lockdown for power transfer. Thin EVA wedge midsole. Full-length solid rubber outsole. Nylon seven-spike plate provides optimal traction on many surfaces.

Links

Greats: Russia

» Michael Johnson
» Jeremy Wariner - article
» Jeremy Wariner - bio.
»

Women's Outdoor World Record was set by the USSR in Seoul, Korea on 1 October 1988 in a time of 3:15.17
• Tatyana Ledovskaya (50.12) (21 May 1966) BLR
• Olga Nazarova II (47.82) (1 June 1965) RUS
• Mariya Pinigina (49.43) (9 February 1958) UKR
• Olga Bryzgina (47.80) (30 June 1963) UKR

Women's Indoor World Record was set by Russia in Glasgow, Scotland on 27 January 2006 in a time of 3:23.37
• Yuliya Gushchina (51.76) (4 March 1983)
• Olga Kotlyarova (50.40) (12 April 1976)
• Olga Zaytseva (51.03) (10 November 1984)
• Olesya Krasnomovets (50.18) (8 July 1979)

Nike Men's Pro Vent Tight Short Sleeve Crew

Performance base-layer top that's lightweight and cool to the touch. Tubular seamless body construction. Knit-in mesh panels under arms and at back neck. Flat stitching at seams. Swoosh design trademark heat transfer at left chest. Dri-FIT® 74% polyester/14% nylon/12% spandex jersey.

Where to get it:
» Niketown
» Nike.com
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

Nike Women's Pace Long Sport Top

Set your pace with the Nike Pace Sport Top. The perfect choice for cooling, comfort and compression, every runner will be satisfied with this sleek top. Mesh inlays under the bust and across the back provide ventilation in high heat zones, while Dri-FIT® wicks moisture for added cooling. Other features include an inner bra for support, reflective heat transfer for visibility, and Swoosh embroidered at center front. Dri-FIT® 88% polyester/12% spandex jersey with Dri-FIT® 80% polyester/20% spandex circular knit mesh inset. Inner bra is 81% nylon/19% spandex warp knit mesh. Bra cups are 92% polyester/8% spandex plain jersey. Imported.

Where to get it:
» Niketown
» Nike.com
» Footlocker
» Eastbay
» Ernst Sporting Goods
» Dick's Sporting Goods

© 2006-2009 All rights reserved. / Disclaimer

Site Designed by Henne & Associates