Guangzhou, China – 10 May 2025
Relay fever grips the athletics world this weekend as the highly anticipated World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 gets underway in China today. Known for its dramatic finishes, lightning speed, and razor-sharp exchanges, the 7th edition of this global relay showcase promises fireworks – and South Africa is set to be right in the thick of the action.
South Africa has entered teams in four of the six scheduled events, with hopes high for strong performances and crucial qualification spots for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 later this year. The two-day competition, held at the newly upgraded Olympic Sports Centre in Guangzhou, also serves as the primary qualifying event for Tokyo, with added incentives in the form of substantial prize money and seeding advantages.
A Quick Guide to the Format and Stakes
The championship features six relay events:
- Women’s 4x100m and 4x400m
- Men’s 4x100m and 4x400m
- Mixed 4x400m
- Mixed 4x100m – making its global debut this weekend with a running order of woman-woman-man-man.
Each nation may enter one team per event, selecting from up to eight registered athletes. The top 14 teams in each event will automatically qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo. Of these, the first eight teams from today’s opening heats will secure their spots immediately, while the remaining six will be determined through additional rounds and time rankings.
Adding to the stakes, teams that make the finals tomorrow will compete not only for glory but also for significant prize money—up to $40,000 for first place in standard events and $28,000 for the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay.
South Africa’s Relay Schedule – All Eyes on Guangzhou
South Africa opens its campaign today with four key relay heats, each offering both a shot at glory and a path to Tokyo:
- Mixed 4x400m Relay – Heat 4
🕐 1:52pm (SA Time)
SA lines up against Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and heavyweights United States in a stacked heat. - Men’s 4x100m Relay – Heat 2
🕑 2:32pm
Akani Simbine and co. face stiff competition from Jamaica, Germany, and Belgium, among others. - Women’s 4x400m Relay – Heat 3
🕒 3:13pm
SA shares the track with powerhouses Germany, Poland, and Jamaica, aiming to break into the top two for direct World Champs qualification. - Men’s 4x400m Relay – Heat 1
🕒 3:23pm
The final South African team of the day will take on the likes of Australia, Jamaica, Germany, Spain, and hosts China.
All times are South African Standard Time, and fans can catch the action live on SuperSport.
Looking Ahead
The finals on Sunday, 11 May, will determine prize placements and World Championships seeding. Teams that don’t qualify directly today will get a second chance in the additional rounds tomorrow, where the top two from each heat will round off the Tokyo-bound lineup.
As for the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay, while no qualification is tied to Tokyo 25, the event will set a new benchmark in relay history. Performances from this weekend will set the standard ahead of its inclusion in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in 2026.
The World Athletics Relays has become a critical battleground not just for medals but for major championship berths. For Team South Africa, this weekend offers a high-stakes opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best and secure their place among them in Tokyo.
With a mix of experience, raw speed, and national pride, South Africa’s athletes are ready to rise to the challenge in Guangzhou.
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African Athletics News: Sekgodiso Crowned 800m World Indoor Champion
For More Information About the World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25. Please visit the World Athletics Site here:
https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-relays/guangzhou25?__nextLocale=en
