Learn how the Big Texas Run 15K Relay works, from the timing strap and relay exchange to each runner’s leg and race-day tips.
Running is usually an individual sport. The Big Texas Run 15K Relay changes that.
Instead of one runner taking on the entire 15K, a team of three runners works together to complete the race. Each teammate runs one leg, then passes the team’s timing strap to the next runner at the designated relay exchange point.
Think of it as three individual runs connected into one team finish.
Big Texas Run takes place October 17, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, with the start and finish near Texas Live! in the Arlington Entertainment District. In addition to the relay, race day includes individual 5K, 10K and 15K distances.
If you’ve never participated in a running relay before, don’t worry. Here’s exactly how the Big Texas Run 15K Relay works.
First: The Timing Strap Is Your Baton
Traditional track relays use a baton. At Big Texas Run, your team will use a timing strap.
The strap can be secured around the runner’s wrist or leg and contains the team’s timing tag. That means the strap needs to travel with the active runner throughout the race.
When one runner completes their leg, they hand the strap to their next teammate.
Runner 1 → Runner 2 → Runner 3 → Finish
That’s the most important thing for your team to remember: the timing strap goes with the runner who is currently racing.
Don’t leave the exchange area with it still attached to the previous runner.
How Each Leg of the 15K Relay Works
Leg 1: Start With the 15K Field
Runner 1 gets the team started.
They will line up at the official start line with the other 15K runners and begin the race with the 15K field.
Runner 1 follows the designated course before continuing directly to the relay exchange point.
You can preview the course before race day here:
Once Runner 1 reaches the exchange area, they’ll find Runner 2 and hand over the timing strap.
As soon as Runner 2 has the strap secured, it’s their turn to run.
Leg 2: Take the Strap and Go
Runner 2 should be at the relay exchange point and ready well before Runner 1 is expected to arrive.
When Runner 1 comes in, Runner 1 removes the timing strap and hands it directly to Runner 2.
Runner 2 secures the strap around their wrist or leg and begins their leg.
They’ll run the designated course and then return to the same relay exchange area, where Runner 3 will be waiting.
At that point, it’s time for one more handoff:
Runner 2 → timing strap → Runner 3.
Leg 3: Bring It Home
Runner 3 is the anchor.
Once Runner 2 arrives at the exchange area, Runner 2 hands over the timing strap. Runner 3 secures it and starts the final leg.
But there’s one important difference this time:
Runner 3 isn’t coming back for another handoff. They’re heading for the finish.
Runner 3 completes the final leg and crosses the official Big Texas Run finish line with the team’s timing strap.
Then it’s time to celebrate.
Big Texas Run’s post-race festivities take place near Texas Live!, with the event built around a race-and-after-party experience in Arlington’s Entertainment District.
The Big Texas Run Relay in 30 Seconds
Here’s the whole process:
LEG 1
Start Line → Run → Relay Exchange
Hand timing strap to Runner 2
↓
LEG 2
Relay Exchange → Run → Relay Exchange
Hand timing strap to Runner 3
↓
LEG 3
Relay Exchange → Run → FINISH LINE! 🎉
Three runners. Two handoffs. One team finish.
Relay Race Tips for a Smooth Race Day
1. Decide Your Running Order Before Race Morning
Know who is Runner 1, Runner 2 and Runner 3 before you arrive.
Don’t automatically assume your fastest runner needs to go last. Consider who enjoys starting in a crowd, who is comfortable waiting and warming up independently, and who wants the experience of bringing the team home.
Run Project’s relay-training guide recommends choosing your order based on each runner’s strengths and personality rather than simply arranging everyone by speed. Run Project
2. Know the Exchange Point
Runners 2 and 3 should know exactly where they’re supposed to wait.
Save the relay exchange location on your phone before race morning:
Big Texas Run Relay Exchange Point
Don’t wait until your teammate is approaching to figure out where you’re supposed to be.
3. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Your teammate’s pace won’t be perfectly predictable.
Runner 2 and Runner 3 should arrive at the exchange area earlier than they think they need to. GPS watches, course conditions and race-day adrenaline can all make predicted arrival times imperfect.
4. Start Warming Up Before Your Teammate Arrives
Waiting runners shouldn’t go from standing still to racing.
As your teammate’s expected arrival gets closer, start moving. Walk, jog lightly and perform your normal dynamic warm-up so you’re ready to run when the strap reaches you.
5. Practice the Timing-Strap Handoff
You don’t need Olympic-level baton skills.
You do want everyone to know how the strap works.
Before race day, practice taking a strap off your wrist or leg, handing it to your teammate and having them secure it quickly.
The goal isn’t to save three seconds. It’s to make the exchange feel familiar.
6. Don’t Rely Only on Your Teammate’s GPS
It’s tempting to calculate exactly when your teammate should arrive based on their normal pace.
Use that as a guide—not a guarantee. Get into position early and watch for your runner.
7. Make Yourself Easy to Spot
The exchange area will have multiple runners waiting for teammates.
Wear something recognizable, agree on where you’ll wait and pay attention as your teammate’s expected arrival approaches. A quick conversation beforehand can save a lot of frantic searching.
8. Keep Track of the Timing Strap
This is the big one.
The timing tag is attached to the strap, so make the handoff part of your team’s routine:
Finish your leg. Find your teammate. Remove the strap. Hand it directly to them. Make sure it’s secure. Then celebrate.
9. Cheer for Your Team
One of the best parts of a relay is that your race isn’t only about the minutes you’re running.
Cheer for your teammate coming into the exchange. Encourage the runner heading out. And once you’ve completed your leg, stick around to support Runner 3 at the finish.
Do I Need to Be a Fast Runner to Join a 15K Relay?
No.
A relay is a great way to experience a longer-distance race without one person having to tackle the entire distance alone.
The Big Texas Run 15K Relay is designed for three-person teams, so you’re sharing the race experience with two other runners. Run Project
That makes it a fun option for friends, family members, coworkers and run clubs—even when everyone on the team runs at a different pace.
The goal isn’t to find three identical runners.
It’s to build one team.
One Team. Three Runners. One Big Texas Finish.
The Big Texas Run 15K Relay sounds complicated until you break it down.
Runner 1 starts. Runner 1 hands the timing strap to Runner 2. Runner 2 hands it to Runner 3. Runner 3 takes it across the finish line.
That’s it.
Know your leg. Know the exchange point. Keep track of the timing strap. Be ready when your teammate arrives.
Then go run your part of Big Texas.
And when Runner 3 crosses the finish line, meet back up with your crew and celebrate what you accomplished together.
Big miles. Big team. Big finish. Big Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runners are on a Big Texas Run 15K Relay team?
The Big Texas Run 15K Relay is completed by a team of three runners. Each runner completes one leg of the relay before handing the timing strap to the next teammate.
What does each runner hand off during the relay?
Instead of a traditional relay baton, runners pass a timing strap. The strap contains the team’s timing tag and can be worn around the runner’s wrist or leg. It must be passed from Runner 1 to Runner 2 and then from Runner 2 to Runner 3.
Where does Runner 1 start?
Runner 1 starts at the official Big Texas Run start line with the other 15K runners. After completing their course, Runner 1 continues to the designated relay exchange point to meet Runner 2.
Where do Runner 1 and Runner 2 make the handoff?
Runner 1 meets Runner 2 at the designated relay exchange point. Runner 2 returns to this same exchange point after completing their leg to hand the timing strap to Runner 3.
Does Runner 3 return to the relay exchange point?
No. Runner 3 is the final runner and completes their leg by running to the official Big Texas Run finish line.
Where should I wear the timing strap?
The timing strap can be secured around your wrist or leg. Make sure it is securely attached before beginning your leg of the relay.
What happens after Runner 3 finishes?
That’s the fun part! Once Runner 3 crosses the finish line with the timing strap, your team’s relay is complete. Meet up with your teammates and celebrate your Big Texas Run 15K Relay finish together.
