5000 runners will carry Baton

Key Relay facts

• The Baton departed Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, 11 March 2002



• The Baton will contain The Queen’s Message to be read at the Opening Ceremony of the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester



• The Baton will travel almost 59,000 miles across the Commonwealth visiting approximately 23 Commonwealth countries over 87 days



• The Baton returns to the United Kingdom on 6 June 2002 for the start of a 50 day event



• During these 50 days the Baton will:

	-	travel the four corners of the United Kingdom
	-	pass famous landmarks and visit areas of natural beauty and historical significance
	-	travel within one hour's drive of 95 per cent of the United Kingdom population
	-	spend approximately 65 per cent of its time travelling through non-metropolitan areas
	-	travel about 5,000 miles by road
	-	be welcomed at 50 evening community celebrations in the UK's towns and cities including the Opening Ceremony of the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester
	-	be carried by 5,000 Runners, averaging 100 Runners per day
	-	be carried by each Runner for approximately 500 yards
	-	travel on approximately 30 alternative modes of transport including steam train, double-decker bus and a ferry across the Mersey
	-	be supported by up to 33 convoy vehicles
	-	require a 150-man support crew throughout the 50 day event
	-	be 'on parade' for about 10-12 hours each day
	-	require approximately 2,500 hotel rooms to accommodate the crew throughout the Relay
	-	need around 15,000 meals during the event to feed the crew

• The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay will complete its journey in the City of Manchester Stadium at the Opening Ceremony of the XVII Commonwealth Games on 25 July 2002.