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Jump on the bandwagon. Join a team or create your own team to roll down the Northwest Washington coast through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the country. Anyone can do it – you can too. Do something you’ll always remember. Do something that could very likely change your attitude about life! Run the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. What is the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage? It is a 189-mile relay race consisting of 36 legs. The race starts in Blaine Washington, which is close to the Canadian border. It’s about as far left in the upper corner of a USA continental map as you can get. This is the second year for this relay race. The first year fielded 64 teams and was very successful.  The course hugs the scenic Washington coast through islands, seashore, and quaint fishing villages to finish almost 200 miles later in Langley Washington. To get to Langley your team will cross Deception Pass Bridge onto Whidbey Island. Can’t you just smell the fresh salt air and hear the sea birds calling as you hopscotch the islands and peninsulas of Puget Sound? The race is part of the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Series that currently includes 4 overnight relay races nation wide:
Ragnar Events is named after a historic Norse hero who is mythically portrayed as a pirate/adventurer. The founders of the relay series thought this a fitting image for the adventure of an overnight relay series. This is a young and aggressive organization looking to establish a number of relays across the country in addition to the four that are in existence today. So far they have been right on target with participation in all races soaring. The organizers Ragnar Events are taking the running world by storm by producing an ever-expanding calendar of overnight relay races in beautiful places across the USA. 
The website tag-line summarizes the experience well with the phrase “Run Drive. Sleep? Repeat” Most teams consist of 12 members. Each member runs 3 legs ranging from 3 to 8 miles. (For example Runner #1 would run legs #1, #13, and #25) This gives you somewhere around 6 hours between legs to recover. The legs are all different lengths and difficulties. (There is also an ultra category with 6 team members for the hardcore.) The race is continuous and runs through the night. Each team typically has two chase vans. Six team members ride in each van. Theoretically you can sleep between legs but veterans will tell you that sleep deprivation is part of the fun!  The teams are set off in a staggered start according to predicted finish time. This way all the teams should (theoretically) finish at near the same time. Last year the total times ranged from 21 hours to 34 hours. The vans leapfrog along, dropping off, picking up, and offering sustenance, commiseration and support. Some of the exchange points will have bands performing, support crews, food, drink and a place to shower or sleep. Of course this means that most of your team will end up running a night leg with a headlamp. This is the stuff of epiphanies – to be running along Puget Sound in the wee hours. When else can you run in the middle of the night under a canopy of stars with thousands of other runners? At first many are a bit afraid; they question whether they will enjoy running at night. After the event most of them say it was their favorite leg. It is a transforming experience. If you watch the team videos from the races you will see that in the beginning everyone is excited and dancing around. Towards the middle they all start to look a little ragged. Then finally they joyously cross the finish line in a great group-hug-team-celebration. You won’t get that kind of emotional ride from your local 10K!  Bringing the thrill of overnight relay races to the people! The Ragnar concept resonates with runners. Let’s get something straight right now; overnight relay races are no longer a fringe activity for crazy, high-mileage-compulsive runners. The Ragnar organization’s vision is to bring overnight relays into the mainstream and they have been wildly successful. The races are designed to get people involved and having a good party. These relay races are for runners of all abilities. They are centered on having a great time and building an experience of a lifetime for participants.  Some call it a rolling adult slumber party without sleep. Whatever you want to call it, this is an event that you won’t soon forget! This year will only be the second year of the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. The first year was very successful and lauded by participants. The field is expected to more than double this year, (from 64 teams to ~200). This is a testament to not only the success of the inaugural race, but also to a concept that is resonating with runners around the country. “This was a great relay all-around - great weather, beautiful course, excellent work on the part of Ragnar, and, of course, a very cool team in Postfontaine! We surely had the coolest shirts, not only the best name!” A MyoMed Ragnar Relay is not just a major accomplishment it is an awesome party, with participants painting their faces, decorating their vans, and dressing up in costume; it is a unique athletic environment. It is the ultimate blend of athletic achievement and social enjoyment. The relays are planned and designed so that anyone who wants to can do it.  As in all races there is plenty of competition between teams, but these relay races are designed to be inclusive. You don’t have to be a running stud to participate. All levels of ability can ride along. If you can run a 5K you can get ready for a relay. There are legs specifically designed to cover the spectrum of abilities so that you can put together a mixed team and everyone gets the challenge and the satisfaction. Marathoners, half marathoners and traditional road racers are embracing the overnight relay genre. It creates an opportunity for runners who are jaded with the big-city marathon scene and want an opportunity to connect with the community and the essence of the sport. What better way than spending 30 hours in a van with 6 of your closest sweaty friends? It’s all about the fun and the team! Relays bring the team aspect into running. In a marathon you are running for yourself. In a relay you are running for your team. One of the things that has made the Ragnar Relay series successful is the focus on having a great time. They keep everything just a bit off-kilter and funky. Teams are encouraged to be outrageous. A great example is the prizes given out for categories including:
That should give you an idea as to the raucous attitudes that abound at the Northwest Passage. The organization keeps it moving. You might be tempted to think that this sort of thing is an organizational nightmare, but it’s not bad. The Ragnar folks are very good at what they do and leverage deep relay race experience to give you all the support you need. Team captains will get help forming teams. Individuals will get help finding teams. All the logistics are pre-planned for you. All you have to do is show up and execute. Each team is given the ‘Race Bible’ that contains all the rules, what-ifs and GPS enabled turn-by-turn maps and directions.
All of these items are what make a Ragnar Relay an unforgettable relay adventure. Bottom line – don’t be afraid to sign up and show up – they’ve got your back! People run for different reasons The MyoMed Ragnar Relay is an opportunity to build a team. That team may be built around anything. There are corporate teams. There are running club teams. There are running store teams. There are military and police teams. There are teams of pastors. There are school teams. Recent races have seen teams that run in memory of someone or in support of a friend with cancer. It is a way for them to pull together and do something that makes a statement. Each of these teams participates in the event and in doing so reinforces their bond to each other and the team. Take it Northwest – find your team and find yourself! What ever your reason, now is the time to build a team for the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage on July 25-26th 2008. Embark like a Viking on a trip to conquer 189 miles of scenic Washington coastline. You won’t regret it. You’ll have a blast. You’ll be building memories and friendships that will last a lifetime! Latest articles in USA: Washington
Iron Girl—Graced with an Attitude Experience a rolling party of an overnight relay race with the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. The North Olympic Discovery Marathon is a gem of a destination race. |
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