The 4 x 400 metres relay or long relay is an athletics track event in which teams comprise four runners who each complete 400 metres or 1 lap. It is traitionally the final event of a track meet. At top class events the first 500 metres is run in lanes, so start lines are staggered by more than in a 400 metres race. Runners have a 20 m box (usually marked with blue lines) to hand over the baton, which is the responsibility of the outgoing runner due to the fatigue of the incoming runner. Disqualification is rare.