Scoring: There will be a final only, no preliminaries. One heat each for Div 1 and Div 2 unless it is determined that the number of teams dictates a second heat. Scoring will be based on the time of the third (final) runner.

Description: This is a strategic team race, not a relay. The total distance is 8 laps (3200 meters). All 3 runners start on the track at the same time using a waterfall start (teams should line up behind their first runner on the line). At the end of four laps (1600 meters) the first runner across the line for each team drops off the track. The second runner drops off after six laps (2400 meters), leaving the third runner to finish the last two laps (3200 meters).

This promises to be a fun and exciting event because of the strategic nature of the race. A really strong 3200 meter runner can't run away with it, because the first and second runners set the pace. The pace should get faster and faster as the early runners drop off, setting up a new race for each leg.

NOTE: Second and third runners should stay behind their teammates until their leg of the race, but are not required to. The first team member across the line at 4 and 6 laps must drop off, even if this was not the intended order (in other words, second and third runners need to relax and wait their turn or risk burning their teammates by getting pulled early!).

The track will be crowded for the 1600 meters -- if there are 10 teams, that's 30 runners. BUT, if they understand the strategic nature of the race, the second and third leg runners should be hanging back behind the milers and not crowding it up. The second and third runners just need to get in position to pick up the pace as their teammates drop off.