Global Sprinters Clash in Guangzhou: World Athletics Relays and Tokyo 2025 Qualification

Top athletes compete in Guangzhou for World Athletics Relays titles and Tokyo 2025 World Championships qualification. Watch live on BBC.

The World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, is set to be a thrilling event as the world's best sprinters compete for titles and crucial qualification spots for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. This seventh edition of the relays will feature the global debut of the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relay events, alongside traditional women's and men's 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

Star Athletes to Watch

Olympic legends such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Wayde van Niekerk, Letsile Tebogo, and Shericka Jackson will be among the 730 athletes from 43 countries competing. Canada's men's 4x100m gold-medal-winning team from Paris 2024, led by Andre de Grasse, will aim for their first World Relays title after finishing second to the USA last year. The USA squad, featuring Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton, will be strong contenders, while Great Britain will rely on Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake.

Tokyo 2025 Qualification

Qualification for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships is up for grabs across both days of the event. The top 14 teams in each relay category will secure their spots, with the remaining two spots determined by the World Athletics 'top list' ranking system.

Event Schedule and Coverage

The action begins on Saturday, 10 May, with heats for the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays, followed by the first rounds of the women's and men's 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The finals will take place on Sunday, 11 May, with live coverage available on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app.

Saturday, 10 May

  • Mixed 4x100m relay heats
  • Mixed 4x400m relay round one
  • Women's 4x100m relay round one
  • Men's 4x100m relay round one
  • Women's 4x400m relay round one
  • Men's 4x400m relay round one

Sunday, 11 May

  • Mixed 4x100m relay final
  • Mixed 4x400m relay round two
  • Women's 4x400m relay round two
  • Men's 4x400m relay round two
  • Women's 4x100m relay round two
  • Men's 4x100m relay round two
  • Mixed 4x400m relay final
  • Women's 4x100m relay final
  • Men's 4x100m relay final
  • Women's 4x400m relay final
  • Men's 4x400m relay final

Don't miss this exciting weekend of athletics as the world's best compete for glory and a chance to qualify for Tokyo 2025.

What to Read Next

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston
Athletics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone secures the top prize at the first Grand Slam Track event in Kingston, showcasing her dominance in the 400m hurdles and 400m races.

Karsten Warholm Shatters 300m Hurdles World Record in Diamond League Opener
Athletics

Karsten Warholm Shatters 300m Hurdles World Record in Diamond League Opener

Karsten Warholm makes history by setting the first-ever world record in the 300m hurdles at the Diamond League season opener in Xiamen.

Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Faces Legal Issues After Miami Arrest
Athletics

Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Faces Legal Issues After Miami Arrest

Olympic medallist Fred Kerley was arrested in Miami following allegations of assault, impacting his participation in upcoming athletic events.

Eilish McColgan Shatters Scottish Marathon Record at London Marathon 2025
Athletics

Eilish McColgan Shatters Scottish Marathon Record at London Marathon 2025

Eilish McColgan sets a new Scottish marathon record at the London Marathon 2025, surpassing her mother's best time and achieving a personal milestone.

London Marathon 2025: A Historic Milestone in Athletics
Athletics

London Marathon 2025: A Historic Milestone in Athletics

The 2025 London Marathon set a new world record for the most finishers, marking a historic milestone in athletics.

Tigst Assefa Shatters Women's Marathon World Record in London Victory
Athletics

Tigst Assefa Shatters Women's Marathon World Record in London Victory

Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa set a new women's only world record at the London Marathon, finishing in 2:15:50, 26 seconds faster than the previous record.

Tilahun Nigussie Shatters Belfast Marathon Record with Stunning Performance
Athletics

Tilahun Nigussie Shatters Belfast Marathon Record with Stunning Performance

Ethiopian runner Tilahun Nigussie sets a new Belfast Marathon record, while Kenya's Millicent Kibet takes the women's title in a thrilling race.

Matthew Hudson-Smith Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track with $100K Victory
Athletics

Matthew Hudson-Smith Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track with $100K Victory

British sprinter Matthew Hudson-Smith claims $100K prize at historic first Grand Slam Track event in Jamaica, showcasing stellar performances across multiple disciplines.

Molly Caudery: From Olympic Heartbreak to Record-Breaking Ambitions in Pole Vaulting
Athletics

Molly Caudery: From Olympic Heartbreak to Record-Breaking Ambitions in Pole Vaulting

British pole vaulter Molly Caudery uses her Olympic setback as motivation to chase titles and break records, starting with the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing.

15-Year-Old Kiwi Sensation Sam Ruthe Smashes Sub-Four-Minute Mile World Record
Athletics

15-Year-Old Kiwi Sensation Sam Ruthe Smashes Sub-Four-Minute Mile World Record

15-year-old New Zealand runner Sam Ruthe becomes the youngest athlete ever to break the legendary four-minute mile barrier in a historic 3:58.35 performance.

Jeremiah Azu Claims World Indoor 60m Gold: A Stellar Achievement in Athletics
Athletics

Jeremiah Azu Claims World Indoor 60m Gold: A Stellar Achievement in Athletics

Jeremiah Azu secures his first global title with a thrilling 60m sprint victory at the World Indoor Championships, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.

Kate O'Connor's Historic World Indoor Silver: Overcoming Doubts and Setting Records
Athletics

Kate O'Connor's Historic World Indoor Silver: Overcoming Doubts and Setting Records

Irish athlete Kate O'Connor overcomes doubts to secure a historic silver medal at the World Indoor Championships, setting personal bests and inspiring future multi-event athletes.

Neil Gourley Leads GB & NI at 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing
Athletics

Neil Gourley Leads GB & NI at 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing

Neil Gourley captains the GB & NI team at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, aiming to inspire and lead by example.

London Marathon 2025: A Historic Event Set to Break World Records
Athletics

London Marathon 2025: A Historic Event Set to Break World Records

The 2025 London Marathon is poised to become the largest marathon in history, with over 56,000 runners expected to participate and break previous records.

Jake Wightman and Father Geoff Part Ways in Coaching Role for a New Chapter
Athletics

Jake Wightman and Father Geoff Part Ways in Coaching Role for a New Chapter

Former 1500m world champion Jake Wightman announces the end of his coaching relationship with his father Geoff, marking a new phase in his career.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.