The basic rules are:
Everyone runs the correct route - any deviations due to errors in map reading etc. should not gain an advantage. In general this is not a problem as the route tends to stick to the shortest distance anyway. We all go wrong somewhere.
A baton should be exchanged at each designated changeover point before the runner of the next leg can start. (see notes regarding legs 1 & 2 below).
The runner of the leg should run the whole leg with the baton.
Each team decides who and how many legs each runner should run. Each team should consist of a minimum of 4 runners and a maximum of 6. A mixed team must consist of at least two women.
It is not required to declare who is running before the race start - someone usually hurts something during the race and another runner ends up doing an extra leg etc.
It has been proved that the fastest way to run the race is to change over whenever possible to give each runner the chance to rest between their legs. If you try and run 3 legs in one go you will be slower - but there is no rule to say you can't.
It is a very good idea to run the legs beforehand to acquaint yourself with the route. If you are not good at map reading or get carried away on the day you will go wrong. GPS tracks of each leg are provided on the maps page. It is far better to know which way to go than to rely on these.
There are marshals at some of the changeovers but each team is expected to time and marshal itself. Also other teams are usually around to help if required.
Your main runner runs off and completes legs 1 & 2 as 1 leg - it's usual to send your fastest runner off on this one.
Everyone else - bar runner/drivers (i.e. if you have no dedicated driver for your car / minibus) - just jogs the 1st leg in a social way. At Warblington they then get into their transport and drive to the 1st changeover point at Leigh Park.