What happens when you combine a love for running, half a million energetic kids, and a goal to circle the globe with nothing but relay batons and big dreams? You get the Relay Around the World Challenge—World Athletics’ most ambitious Kids’ Athletics activation yet.
Launched with flair in Monaco on April 6th, this massive global event kicked off with a symbolic first baton handoff from Prince Albert II of Monaco, setting the stage for a month-long relay celebration across continents. The timing couldn’t be more fitting—it landed on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, spotlighting how athletics continues to bring the world together, one stride at a time.
The Goal? Half a Million Kids. One Giant Relay
The concept is simple but powerful: from April 6 to May 7, schools, clubs, and communities across the globe are encouraged to organize their own relay events—any size, any style. The challenge is inspired by the upcoming World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25, where this global initiative will culminate in a celebratory final lap.
World Athletics has one target in mind: 500,000 children participating in what could become the world’s largest kids’ relay. And to keep the excitement running (literally), they’ve launched a sleek Relay Around the World web app, which serves as command central—organizers can register their relays, track global progress in real time, and upload photos and videos of their events.
Seb Coe Wants You to Move
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is also leading the charge, emphasizing the campaign’s deeper mission: “At World Athletics, we aim to use the power and accessibility of athletics to build a fitter and healthier world, and that starts in childhood.”
This is about more than just breaking participation records—it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong healthy habits and turning Monaco’s and today’s playful runners all across the globe into tomorrow’s confident athletes.
Botswana’s Golden Boy Joins the Race
To boost the campaign’s global appeal, none other than Olympic champion and 2024 World Athlete of the Year Letsile Tebogo has stepped in as the official ambassador. Earlier, he helped ignite the challenge with over 1,000 children at a spirited launch event in his home country of Botswana. His message? Running is for everyone—especially the young dreamers with energy to burn and a baton to pass.
Creative Kids, Get Your Crayons
And there’s even more reason for kids to get involved: the Design a Baton competition. In partnership with equipment supplier Mondo, World Athletics is giving kids the chance to create their own baton design. The winning artwork won’t just hang on a fridge—it’ll be turned into a genuine, competition-grade relay baton used by young athletes around the world.
How to Join the Global Sprint
Getting involved is easy. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or just a parent with active kids and a park nearby, you can register on the web app as an individual or organization. Host as many relays as you like from now until May 7, and don’t forget to share the fun using hashtags #KidsAthleticsDay and #RelayAroundTheWorld.
With momentum building toward Kids’ Athletics Day, this campaign isn’t just about movement—it’s about connection, creativity, and a shared love for sport that stretches across borders. So lace up, grab a baton, and let the global relay begin.
