Bahamas to Host New IAAF Relay Competition in 2014 & 2015

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council has created new relays events, dubbed IAAF World Relays with the first editions taking place in Nassau, Bahamas, in May 2014 and 2015.

This new two-day competition will bring together the world’s best athletes, with a schedule that includes the traditional 4x100m and 4x400m events as well as 4x200m, 4x800m and 4x1500m, the IAAF said in a news dispatch on Saturday.

It is expected that the World Relays will be used to qualify some teams for the World Championships and Olympics.

IAAF President Lamine Diack said: “The wonderful athletics competition in London has not only reinforced the appeal of our sport but specifically the popularity of relay races.

“Spectators find the relays dramatic and exciting. We are confident that this new special event, at the beginning of the season, will really help us promote the sport further.”

He said the federation was delighted when the Bahamas stepped forward to host because the country was passionate about athletics and had a tremendous reputation in the relay races.

Bahamas struck the men’s 4 x400m Olympic gold in London on Friday night, beating the United States who settled for silver. Trinidad and Tobago took bronze.

“We have received strong support and financial guarantees from the Government of the Bahamas which will help us, together with  our partner the Bahamas to deliver an excellent and exciting product,” said Diack, a Senegalese.

The venue of the event is the 15,000 capacity Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in Nassau which will host the 2013 edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games.

This event will be open to all IAAF Member Federations and there will be a total of approximately $1.4 million in prize money available.

The event will be broadcast around the world with the Host Broadcasting provided by the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas.