What are the rules for cross country relays?

Under the UKA Rules 2026:

• Takeover zone (TR56, 6.5): marked by lines 20m apart across the course (green flags at the start of the zone, red at the end). The outgoing runner must start within the zone, not outside it.
• Takeover: unless the organisers say otherwise, it's a physical contact between incoming and outgoing runners, and it must be completed inside the zone. Breaking this rule disqualifies the team.
• Running twice (G2 S9): a team that includes a runner who has already run a stage is not included in the official results, subject to the race's entry conditions.
• Entries: in open relays, clubs generally can't enter more than three times the number entitled to compete. A runner may run for only one team, and teams must be declared before the start.