The lead-off runner must stay in the lane throughout the whole first lap and the first 100m of the second lap, after which runners are not required to stay in their lanes. During each leg, each runner must carry a baton and give it to the next runner within the changeover zone, which is placed 10 metres each side of the finish line. The last runner to cross the line receives all the credit for the race. The handoff occurs either when the lead-off runner passes the start line or when they reach the changeover zone. If the lead-off runner crosses the line before reaching the changeover zone, then they have not handed off the baton and the next person in line starts running. There are two ways to hand the baton to the lead-off runner: a physical handoff or a verbal handoff. In a physical handoff, the lead-off runner gives the baton to the next runner by physically taking it from them. This can be done at any time during the race. For example, if the lead-off runner reaches the changeover zone first, they could give the baton to the next runner by throwing it to them. Runners must comply with these instructions to be considered legal.