The Ragnar Relay Series is in for 2010—Great Concept, Great Adventure, Fun Challenge
If your New Years resolution involved training for a new race or a truly unique running experience, rally your friends and run a Ragnar Relay. There are four this spring, and 10 in total. Capture that wanderlust! What are you waiting for?

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By Skip Cleaver
Posted Sunday, 28 February, 2010

Ragnar Relays have it right. And they are in the forefront of national phenomena. There has been an explosion of overnight relay races in the national running community. Consider that seven years ago there were only five overnight relay races. In 2006 there were only 11. Now there are at least 30, maybe more; and Ragnar Relays make up a third of that number! There is an interesting and fast growing movement in the running community toward the overnight relay race. There are many reasons for this explosion, but one of them is because the overnight relay presents a formidable challenge, yet it is accessible to runners of all skill levels. And who doesn’t like a party along with their running?

A Ragnar Relay gives runners a chance to enjoy the camaraderie of a race while running separately; a chance to cheer and support teammates while literally enjoying a rolling party and a unique adventure. The Ragnar Relay Events team understands this, and they have developed a wonderfully rich experience for all participants by expanding on what they know and the ability to apply it to ten—soon to be 11—regions of the country.

Not only are they taking the concept to different regions ( there are five in the west, four in the east, and one--soon two--in the middle of America), but they have spread their events across the calendar as well—four in the spring (highlighted below), three in the summer, and three in the fall.

Okay, you have conquered 5K’s and 10K’s; perhaps you have run the local half or full marathon, and maybe even finished a triathlon or two. Why not try something new; and maybe even something better? Certainly these adventures are very different.

Relays are a growing phenomenon in the U.S. and the Ragnar Relay Series is the largest overnight running relay series in the nation with 10 events and growing.

So what exactly is a Ragnar? Let’s start with big mileage. Each race ranges between 170 to 200 “easier than you think” miles. Throw in two vans, 11 friends (including you makes 12) and 24 to 30 hours and you have yourself one heck of a relay race. This is big mileage, team camaraderie, beautiful countryside, and team logistics and creativity at its finest. There is no shortage of face paint, crazy costumes or decked out rides. Don’t forget to add some chub rub, a spirit tunnel and non-stop high fives and you’re stirring up a recipe for Awesome! This is Ragnar.

You’re getting the idea now. So how do Ragnar Relays work? It is really quite simple. Your relay team will consist of 12 members (or 6 if an ultra team). During the relay, each team member runs three legs (or six for ultras), and each leg ranges from 3 to 8 miles and varies in difficulty. From the elite runner to the novice jogger, it's the perfect relay race for everyone.

Each team is responsible for providing two support vehicles, usually with six runners in each vehicle. The first vehicle will drop off the first runner, drive ahead a few miles, cheer the runner on, and provide them with water, snacks, and plenty of love and moral support. That vehicle will then drive ahead to the first exchange point to drop off the second runner, and pick up the first runner when that leg is complete. They will repeat this pattern for six legs until they hand off to their second vehicle. This leapfrogging pattern will continue day and night all the way to the finish line.
Here is an outline of the first four Ragnar Relays of 2010:

Arizona
The Ragnar Relay Del Sol is a 203-mile 12-teammate, overnight relay race from Prescott to Mesa, Arizona running February 26 and 27, 2010. Your team will consist of 12 friends (or six members for ultra teams) who will run around the clock in this early spring relay through the Arizona Desert. Teams will rock out to live bands, enjoy the wacky participant costumes, and make life-long friends with teammates and competitors. While this rolling partonly lasts about 29 hours, the memories and inside jokes may last forever. During the relay, each team member runs three legs, each leg ranging between 3 and 8 miles and varying in difficulty. So from elite runners to novice joggers, it’s perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable relay adventure.

Ragnar Relay Del Sol, Feb 26 – 27, 2010
Prescott to Mesa, AZ
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/delsol/index.php
Contact: Janessa Black, janessa@ragnarrelay.com

Southern California
Ragnar Events presents another terrific overnight relay with the opportunity to run the second annual Ragnar Relay Southern California, running April 23 and 24 of 2010. The proven Ragnar formula is now being offered along the Pacific Coast and 10 other regions of the USA. This 177-mile relay from Santa Barbara to Dana Point along the legendary coast of California is a beautiful route through the Golden State, with mountains and cliffs and crashing surf throughout. What a course, what a region, and what a terrific concept—such high adventure packed into 24 to 30 hours. There are 36 delightful legs, and runners will enjoy each mile; additionally, they have the chance to cheer teammates, enjoy great opportunities to meet others from around the country, see California up close as never before, and take up the twin challenges of team logistics and team theme/fun. Sleep? Maybe; but more likely teams will rock out and party when not running, with every transition area a party.

Ragnar Relay So Cal, April 23 – 24, 2010
Santa Barbara to Dana Point, CA
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/losangeles/index.php
Contact: Steven Aderholt, steven@ragnarrelay.com

New York
Your Ragnar Relay New York presents the best of New York State, from Woodstock to the sidewalks of New York City, the Bronx. Get into a New York State of mind for the running experience of a lifetime as you and 11 of your closest friends run around the clock in the Hudson Valley. Starting in the legendary town of Woodstock, New York, your team will be part of an incredible overnight 178-mile adventure ending in New York City, one of the world’s most exciting, fascinating and beloved cities.

Imagine the fun of running with your team while reawakening your senses to the natural beauty and tranquil pleasures of the breathtaking Catskill Mountains. This relay adventure begins in the famed town of Woodstock, centered in the heart of one of the most historic, sophisticated and boldly beautiful parts of the southeastern Catskill region. A long time artist’s community, this charming town, has a unique vibe and vibrant pulse that is just right for getting your team off to a great start.

The course highlights include scenic country towns, bucolic farmlands and orchards as you leap frog your way through the Hudson River Valley. This spectacular stretch is lined with splendid historic sites, unique museums, charming country manor houses and lively Hudson River front towns. It is no wonder that it is considered one of the most beautiful regions in the eastern United States. See for yourself why these magnificent landscapes were the inspiration for America’s first art school, the Hudson River School of Painters.

Those little town blues will start melting away as your relay team heads toward the finish line in the Bronx. Home to a renowned botanical garden, world class zoo, stately mansions and historic sites, the Bronx is one of the most intriguing boroughs of the Big Apple.

Ragnar Relay New York, May 14 – 15, 2010
Woodstock to New York City, NY
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/newyork/index.php
Contact: Jerrica Hall, jerrica@ragnarrelay.com

New England
The Ragnar Relay New England relay is in its second year, bringing the Ragnar brand and concept to New England, the world’s hotbed of running. It will run May 21 to 22, 2010 after a very successful September debut last fall. This year’s race from New Haven, Connecticut to Boston, Massachusetts will be no different. The Ragnar Relay New England run much of the way on back roads from Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut to the Boat House on the Charles River, the finish line in Boston. The legs are designed to have varying lengths and levels of difficulty. This allows team members to apportion the running load appropriately to support teams of mixed abilities. For most runners the challenge of running 3 legs over 24 hours is well within their comfort zone.
Now the organization brings the Ragnar Relay to New England on May 21-22 with a 36-leg 200-mile party. Runners will see southern New England as never before.

Ragnar Relay New England, May 21 – 22, 2010
New Haven, CT to Boston, MA
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/boston/index.php
Contact: Erin Pilkington, erin@ragnarrelay.com

Here is the Full Slate of offerings--Find a Ragnar Relay near you, or travel to your favorite for an adventure like no other:

Ragnar Relay Del Sol, February 26 – 27, 2010
Prescott to Mesa, Arizona

Ragnar Relay Southern California, April 23 – 24, 2010
Santa Barbara to Dana Point, California

Ragnar Relay New York, May 14 – 15, 2010
Woodstock to New York City, New York

Ragnar Relay New England, May 21 – 22, 2010
New Haven, Connecticut to Boston, Massachusetts

Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back, June 18 – 19, 2010
Logan to Park City, Utah (The Original)

Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage, July 23 – 24, 2010
Blaine to Langley, Washington

Ragnar Relay Great River, August 20 – 21, 2010
Winona to Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ragnar Relay Washington D.C., September 24 – 25, 2010
Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C.

Ragnar Relay Las Vegas, October 22 – 23, 2010
Valley of Fire to Las Vegas, Nevada

Ragnar Relay Florida, November 19 – 20, 2010
Clearwater to Daytona Beach, Florida

You can register for any Ragnar Relay at: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/dc/index.php?utm_source=CR&utm_medium=FA&utm_content=GN&utm_campaign=ALL
The Ragnar Relay has grown from a single very successful event, Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back in 2002, to a 10-race national series that attracts thousands of participants all over the USA. Growth has been remarkable, and speaks to the popularity of the overnight relay and the Ragnar concept. This growth is fueled by the terrific experiences provided, and the fact that it is a team effort that runners of every level can participate in. Runners enjoy a unique course, develop life-long bonds, and take in that magical mixture of athletic challenge and rolling party at these awesome events.

The popular and successful Ragnar series continues to expand, and will add another this year in the Midwest. This event will add to the 10 other events already established in other regions of the country. The Ragnar Relay was founded at the Wasatch Back in 2002 by Tanner Bell and Dan Hill. They believed that there was an untapped opportunity for a professional series of overnight team relays, and began to explore other regions. They followed their passion and have been growing ever since, adding events in nearly all regions of the country.

Ragnar has momentum. Word of the enjoyable positive experience is spreading quickly and even the new events are attracting crowds eager to find out what the buzz is all about. Bet you can’t run just one!

The Concept
“Run, drive, sleep? Repeat” and party whenever you can.

The race runs through the night—no stops. The course is divided into 36 legs with designated exchange zones. Legs vary in length and degree of difficulty. There are two main categories for teams to choose from: regular 12-person teams (7 to 12 persons) or ultra teams consisting of 6-runners who run either a 6 x 1 or 6 x 6 configuration. Corporate and High School teams are also encouraged, along with running clubs. Additionally there are divisions for law enforcement or fire personnel and the military. Some are organizational; some teams are pick up teams, family and friends.

Each team typically has two support vans, six team members per van. You can sleep between legs, but sleep deprivation is part of the fun for many. Some exchange points will have live bands, support crews, food, beverages, and a place to shower, sleep, or party. It will be a competitive highlight, and the ideal team-building exercise for many companies.

Ragnar and Ragnar Events, LLC
Ragnar Events is named after an historic hero, a powerful Norse King. Ragnar was a wild man by all accounts who is portrayed as a pirate/adventurer. The founders of the relay series thought this a fitting image for the adventure of a relay series. This is a young, dynamic organization working to establish outstanding relays across the country.

Ragnar Events, LLC was founded to provide all adventurous souls the opportunity to explore and conquer challenges through team relay races. It offers runners a chance to bring out their adventurous spirit within. Their goal is to bring tremendous distance relays in unique landscapes to as many as possible. They want to help everyone bring out their wild side, their Ragnar spirit.

Ragnar Events, LLC is located in Kaysville, Utah. See http://www.ragnarrelay.com/dc/index.php?utm_source=CR&utm_medium=FA&utm_content=GN&utm_campaign=ALL for more information on the company and their ten terrific relays.

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