| 1998 IAAF World Road Relay Championships | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 18–19 April 1998 |
| Host city | Manaus, Brazil |
| Level | Senior |
| Type | Marathon relay |
| Events | 2 |
| Participation | 222 athletes from 28 nations |
| Individual Prize Money (US$) | 1st: US$20,000 2nd: $10,000 3rd: $5000 |
| Team Prize Money (US$) | 1st: $120,000 2nd: $60,000 3rd: $30,000 |
The 1998 IAAF World Road Relay Championships was the fourth and final edition of the global, international marathon relay competition, organised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).[1] The event took place on 18–19 April in Manaus, Brazil with the participation of 222 athletes from 28 nations. The women's race took place on Saturday 18 April, starting at 9:00 AM Amazon Standard Time, and featured twelve national teams comprising a total 72 athletes.[2] The men's race took place on Sunday 19 April, also starting at 9:00 AM Amazon Standard Time, and featured 25 national teams comprising a total 150 athletes.[3]
Each national team consisted of six athletes, who alternately covered six stages to complete the 42.195 km marathon distance. The first, third and fifth stages were of 5 km, the second and fourth stages were of 10 km, and the final stage covered the remaining 7.195 km.[4] Rather than using the traditional baton associated with relay races, athletes passed a wrist band to their compatriots at end of each leg.[5] Prize money totalling US$420,000 was awarded to the athletes of the medal-winning teams: $120,000 for the winning team, $60,000 for the silver medallists and $30,000 for third place, with the winnings split evenly between the team's six athletes.[6][7]
The Ethiopian and Kenyan teams took the top two spots in both races, with the Ethiopian women being victorious in a time of 2:21:15 hours and the Kenyan men coming out on top in a time of 2:01:13 hours. These represented two title defences, as both teams won those races at the previous edition in 1996. Romania took the bronze medals in the women's race and the host nation, Brazil, came third in the men's race – the second time it reached the podium after being men's runners-up at the 1996 championships.[8][9]