Inaugural Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage Set for July 27
Nation's largest series of overnight relay races announces inaugural race

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Posted Monday, 12 March, 2007

MIDVALE, Utah - (March 1, 2007) - The Ragnar Relay series, the nation's largest series of overnight relay races, has announced the inaugural Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage presented by NordicTrack. This adventure-fest will push teams of 12 through 185 miles of stunning Washington scenery. Starting on Friday, July 27 in the town of Blaine, teams will head south through farm country and along the Puget Sound, ultimately crossing over Deception Pass onto Whidbey Island. The Northwest Passage will wrap up on the southern tip of Whidbey Island in the charming town of Langley.

During this 24-hour relay race, each team member will run three legs, each leg ranging between 3-8 miles and varying in difficulty. So, from the elite runner down to the newbie jogger, it's the ideal relay for anyone in search of an unforgettable adventure.

"NordicTrack is very excited about the Northwest Passage, and about our continued partnership with the Ragnar Relay series. We have been a major sponsor since the inception of the Wasatch Back and we continue to partner with them because they have a proven track record of providing an amazing relay experience for everyone involved," says Jake Stewart of NordicTrack, presenting sponsor of the Ragnar Relay series.

Tanner Bell, Director of Race Development for Ragnar Events, is also very excited. "We take overnight relay racing to a new level. From live bands along the course, to flawless course logistics, to the technical running tees and custom finisher medals provided to participants, everything we do is aimed at providing participants with an unforgettable relay adventure. We can't wait for the Pacific Northwest to experience an overnight relay race 'Ragnar style'."

The Ragnar Relay series began in 1987 when Steve Hill participated in an overnight relay race in Oregon. Since then, Steve packed around in his mind the idea of staging a grand series of relay races across the nation, each showcasing a spectacularly scenic stretch of rural roadway while at the same time honoring the young son his family had lost due to a tragic accident.

In late 2003, Steve Hill was waxing eloquently about his dream yet again. At which point his 23-year-old son, Dan, came up with a novel idea. "Dad," he said, "let's just do it." Dan recruited childhood friend Tanner Bell and together they launched the Wasatch Back Relay, a wild 170-mile overnight relay race from Logan to Park City, Utah. The Wasatch Back Relay quickly became the fastest growing overnight relay race in the country.

Due to the success of the Wasatch Back Relay Steve, Dan and Tanner decided it was time to take the concept national by creating the Ragnar Relay series. This series includes relay race in Utah, Minnesota, Arizona and most recently the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage in Washington.

Ragnar Events works closely its official charity Operation Kids to ensure that funds raised through any Ragnar Relay directly benefit children in that area.

Registration for the Northwest Passage is now open and costs $840 per team ($70 per person) until April 15. After April 15, the price of registration will increase. Organizers expect the event to fill quickly. For more information on the Northwest Passage visit RagnarRelay.com or call the Ragnar Relay hotline at (877) 83-RELAY.

Related info:
RunningUSA

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