Athletics relay splits maths challenge
A child-friendly sports challenge using relay splits to practise addition with real examples.
Quick answer
When athletes run relay races, they split the race into parts, and each runner covers a section. You can use addition to work out how far each runner went, how long they took, or how much faster one runner was than another.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to add up relay split times or distances to find the total time or distance for a relay race.
- You can add up four numbers to find a total time or distance
- You can compare different runners’ times or distances
- You can solve real relay race problems using addition
- You can use your maths to help plan a relay race
Why this matters
Relay races are super fun and exciting! They are like a team puzzle where each person adds to the final result. Understanding how to add relay splits helps you follow along with the race, predict who might win, or even plan your own relay race. This maths is used in real life by coaches, runners, and sports fans.
How it works
Relay races are split into parts, called splits. Each runner does one part, and you add all the times or distances together to get the total.
- Look at each runner’s time or distance
- Add them all together
- Compare to see who was fastest or who ran the most
Examples you can see
Imagine you are watching a 4x100m relay race. Each runner does 100 metres.
| Runner | Distance (metres) |
|---|---|
| Runner 1 | 100 |
| Runner 2 | 100 |
| Runner 3 | 100 |
| Runner 4 | 100 |
Total distance = 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 400 metres
Now, let’s try times:
| Runner | Time (seconds) |
|---|---|
| Runner 1 | 12 |
| Runner 2 | 13 |
| Runner 3 | 11 |
| Runner 4 | 14 |
Total time = 12 + 13 + 11 + 14 = 50 seconds
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: Race with your family!
You and your family are going to run a pretend relay race. You will split a 100-metre course into 4 parts.
- Runner 1 runs 25 metres
- Runner 2 runs 30 metres
- Runner 3 runs 20 metres
- Runner 4 runs 25 metres
How far did the team run in total? Add the distances: 25 + 30 + 20 + 25 = 100 metres
Now, time each runner:
- Runner 1: 5 seconds
- Runner 2: 6 seconds
- Runner 3: 4 seconds
- Runner 4: 7 seconds
How long did the whole team take? Add the times: 5 + 6 + 4 + 7 = 22 seconds
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Adding numbers in the wrong order or skipping one.
Why it happens: Getting distracted or rushing.
Fix: Write numbers in a line and double-check each one. - Mistake: Forgetting to carry over in addition.
Why it happens: Not writing down the extra digit.
Fix: Use a number line or draw extra dots to show the carry. - Mistake: Mixing up time and distance.
Why it happens: Not reading the question carefully.
Fix: Read the question twice and underline what you need to add.
Parent and carer guide
Help your child by:
- Playing the relay race game with them using steps and metres
- Using real-life examples like cooking or shopping to practice adding
- Encouraging them to write down the numbers neatly
- Checking their work together to make sure they didn’t miss anything
- Practising with different numbers to build confidence
Don’t worry if they make mistakes. Mistakes help you learn better!
Practice questions
- Runner 1: 15 seconds, Runner 2: 16 seconds, Runner 3: 14 seconds, Runner 4: 17 seconds. What is the total time?
- Runner 1: 80 metres, Runner 2: 70 metres, Runner 3: 90 metres, Runner 4: 60 metres. What is the total distance?
- Runner 1: 10 seconds, Runner 2: 12 seconds, Runner 3: 11 seconds, Runner 4: 9 seconds. What is the total time?
- Runner 1: 50 metres, Runner 2: 40 metres, Runner 3: 55 metres, Runner 4: 45 metres. What is the total distance?
- Runner 1: 20 seconds, Runner 2: 18 seconds, Runner 3: 22 seconds, Runner 4: 19 seconds. What is the total time?
Answers:
- 15 + 16 + 14 + 17 = 62 seconds
- 80 + 70 + 90 + 60 = 300 metres
- 10 + 12 + 11 + 9 = 42 seconds
- 50 + 40 + 55 + 45 = 190 metres
- 20 + 18 + 22 + 19 = 79 seconds
FAQ
What is a relay race?
A relay race is a race where a team of runners each run a part of the race. The parts are called splits.
Why do we add relay splits?
We add relay splits to find the total time or distance of the race. This helps us know how fast the team ran or how far they went.
Can I use this maths for other sports?
Yes! You can use addition for any sport where parts add up to a whole, like scoring in football or swimming laps.
How can I practice this at home?
Try timing yourself or your family doing different tasks, then add the times together. Or, count how far you walk or run in parts and add it up.
What if I get the answer wrong?
That’s okay! Making mistakes is part of learning. You can try again and check your work to find the right answer.