Watch as Coach Chris Parno explains setting up his tape marks for the 4x100 relay. The age, speed, and strength of the athletes are the determining factors of tape placement but generally it is 18 to 28 steps. There are two methods to determine step distance: Start at 24 steps and make individual adjustments for each runner. Use a zone drill without the baton with the incoming and outgoing runner to become comfortable running through the zone.