“Running is just such a monastery— a retreat, a place to commune with God and yourself, a place for psychological and spiritual renewal.”
― George Sheehan, George Sheehan on Running to Win: How to Achieve the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Victories
Sheehan, the author of “Running & Being: The Total Experience” considered by many to be the philosophical bible of running, was obviously not talking about relay races— events where 12 or so people run about 200 miles as a team. Not a whole lot of communing with God or yourself occurs in a tightly packed van with sweaty clothes, sweaty runners, and not a lot of space for two days. But, that’s what makes relay races special. Races like Oregon’s Hood to Coast Relay has been packing runners in vans since 1982, and while the format grew modestly through the turn of the century, it wasn’t until the Ragnar Relay as well as North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Relay began fueling interest in the mid 2000’s. It’s no surprise that they continue to grow. Relay races are generally held in beautiful locales, have an awesome finishers’ party, and give you an opportunity to run a race at night. You can’t beat that! So, if you’re interested in trying out a relay run for the first time, or maybe looking for a new relay for you and your team to enter, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of some regional relay running events to help you get started.
Blue Ridge Relay (Sold Out!) | http://www.blueridgerelay.com | September 11-12
Distance: 208 miles | Start Location: Grayson County, VA
The 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208) is one of the longest running relay races in the United States, not too mention being difficult to get into. Registration for the 2016 event is already closed as well as waiting lists, so get your team ready for the 2017 race now. This race takes place in the picturesque Blue Ridge and Black Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. The BRR208 consists of maximum 12-person (four-person minimum) teams that rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the 208-mile distance of the race. Each relay team member runs three legs of varying lengths and difficulty and will cover an average total distance of about 16.6 miles. The runners rotate in a set order once the race begins and will be obligated to follow this rotation until the final runner finishes in Asheville, NC.
The BRR208 starts at Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, Va., which is near the base of Mount Rogers (5729 feet), the highest peak in Virginia. The course primarily follows scenic, country roads as it winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish in Asheville. The course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, including the balds of Grayson Highlands State Park, the New River, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain (5964 feet), and Mount Mitchell (6684 feet), the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Ragnar – Carolinas-SC | http://www.ragnarrelay.com | October 7-8
Distance: 200 miles | Start Location: Anne Springs Close Greenway, SC
Ragnar Trail Carolinas-SC presented by Salomon is your dream camping, running, weekend adventure. Teams of 8 (or 4) will come together in early October to conquer a set of trails that start and stop at Ragnar Village over two days and one night. Located at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, about 45 minutes outside of Charlotte, Ragnarians will find a gorgeous 2000+ acre nature preserve. This venue features smooth single track trails perfect for running and plush grass great for camping as teams experience the magic of Ragnar Village. Teams run relay-style on “green” the “yellow” and “red” loops as they meander through the forest past rivers, streams and ponds. At night as the sun sets, the celebration comes alive under a bed of stars where you will enjoy campfires, s’mores, movies and a party atmosphere.
Bourbon Chase (Sold Out!) | http://www.bourbonchase.com | October 14-15
Distance: 200 miles | Start Location: Bardstown, KY
The Bourbon Chase is an overnight relay road race along the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The 2016 race is already sold out so, get your team ready for the 2017 event now. The course of the race, which starts at the Jim Beam Distillery near Bardstown, KY, covers 200 miles through majestic horse country for a finish line celebration in downtown Lexington.
The Bourbon Chase wants you to live it up on their course … responsibly. Although the party doesn’t really start until the finish line celebration, runners have 200 miles and more than 24 hours to get warmed up. Decking out your van and wearing crazy costumes is par for the course. The Bourbon Chase hopes that you not only remember every community through which you pass, but also that those communities remember you! So prepare for the fun. Pick a theme that works with your team name. Go the extra mile and invest in team singlets. Gather up those nutty decorations down in the basement and put them to good use.
Bourbon Chase organizers like to call it a boutique experience and attempt to give each team and every runner thorough attention to detail and the extras that make the Bourbon Chase so special. Teams are treated to a welcome reception with complimentary drinks, appetizers and live music; a finish line celebration featuring local food, more live music and complimentary bourbon tasting; amazing scenery as you run through horse country, or the exchange points in the heart of charming cities and at historic distilleries; hidden gems you find along the way, like enchanting old churches and old-fashioned soda fountains; and special gifts for the team captain and commemorative shirts for team drivers.
The Tuna Run | http://tunarun200.com | October 21-22
Distance: 200 miles | Start Location: Raleigh, NC
The Tuna Run 200 is an amazing overnight relay adventure in which you and your friends run 200 scenic miles to finish at the beach and enjoy tuna and your beverage of choice after a job well done. The Tuna Run 200 begins just outside of Raleigh, NC, in Lake Benson Park in Garner and will finish at the beach in Atlantic Beach on the Crystal Coast.
On Friday morning, Oct. 21, 2016, the first flight of teams will start their 200-mile adventure around 6 a.m. Over the next several hours, additional sets of teams will depart on their overnight journey through eastern North Carolina to the beach. Teams will begin arriving at Atlantic Beach around noon on Saturday to conclude their Tuna Run 200 experience with the best post-race party you could hope for. Finishers can enjoy Tuna and beer on the beautiful North Carolina coast by the Atlantic Ocean.
Teams for the Tuna Run 200 are generally made up of four to 12 people who split 36 legs. If you have a 12-person team, each person will run three legs over distances varying from three to 10 miles. Each team will provide support vans to drop off and pick up runners at designated exchange zones along the 200-mile route.
The Tuna Run 200 is great fun for everyone – you don’t have to be an ultra runner to enjoy it. For a 12-person team the distances and training are similar to that of a half-marathon. However, if you are an ultra runner you will still be challenged – especially if you choose a four-person team.
NEW IN 2016 is the Tuna Run 70, an amazing, one-day relay adventure! Check out their website for more information.
Palmetto200 | http://www.palmetto200.com | March 24-25, 2017
Distance: 200 Miles | Start Location: Columbia, SC
The Palmetto200 is a unique, overnight relay adventure in which you and 11 friends cover 200-ish scenic miles from the Columbia area to Patriots Point (just outside of historic Charleston). The Palmetto200 will treat runners to many sites including Santee State Park, Lonestar BBQ, farm communities, lakes, Fort Moultrie, the Ravenel Bridge, historic Charleston and the coastal waters.
Beginning in Columbia, SC the first flight of teams will start the course as early as 5:00 am on Friday, March 24. Over the next several hours additional sets of teams will depart on their overnight journey through the Palmetto State to Charleston. Teams will begin arriving at Patriots Point around noon on Saturday, March 25th and continue streaming in through the afternoon.
Teams are made up of 4 to 12 people who split 36 legs. For instance, each person of a 12 person team will run three legs over distances varying from 4 – 10 miles. Each team will provide support vans to drop off and pick up runners at designated exchange points along the 200-mile route.
You don’t have to be an ultra runner to enjoy the race. From casual joggers to serious racers, this event is great fun for everyone. In fact, there is also a shorter course for those not ready to try the 200. The Palmetto70 is a unique one day running adventure in which you and five friends will cover 70-ish scenic miles from the heart of the Francis Marion Forest and also end at Patriots Point. This is a great way to get exposed to the overnight relay as you will be on the same course at the same time as those who are enjoying the Palmetto200.
Smoky Mountain Relay | http://smr.smokymountainrelay.com | April 21-22, 2017
Distance: 214 miles | Start Location: Brevard, NC
Overnight relay runners love the Smoky Mountain relay, which was patterned after the famous Hood to Coast relay (12-person, 2-van team) in the Pacific Northwest. As a team member, you will be one of the first to experience the 214 miles of trails, forest service, and rural county roads that traverse this beautiful area.
The overnight relay run starts at the Pink Beds Park in Brevard, NC and ends at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC. The Smoky Mountain Relay course takes runners through some of the most beautiful, pristine, and challenging terrain in the Southeast. Along the route runners will see the magnificent granite dome of Looking Glass and spectacular views from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Mountain to Sea trail. At night you will run far from city lights, but very close to the Appalachian and Bartram trails along the upper Nantahala River. Along the course, you will run through many picturesque valleys framed by tree-covered mountains and meandering streams. Speaking of streams, prepare for the opportunity to run through, over, and in the streams that cross this route!
The Nantahala Outdoor Center makes for a world-class finish line celebration with hot showers, cold drinks, yummy food and some rockin’ mountain music.
The Colonial 200 | http://www.colonial200.com | May 5-6, 2017
Distance: 200 miles | Start Location: Charlottesville, VA
The Colonial200 Relay is a 200-mile race that begins at Preddy Creek Trail Park in Albemarle County in central Virginia near Charlottesville and finishes in historic Jamestown near Williamsburg. The course travels from Albemarle County through wine and horse country to the north and east of Richmond and finally joining with the Capital Trail to finish at Jamestown Beach Park – across the street from the Jamestown Settlement. The event also offers the Colonial70 Relay, which is a unique, one-day relay adventure in which you and five friends run 70+ scenic miles through the heart of the Virginia. The Colonial70 Relay follows the last 12 legs of the Colonial200. It begins just outside of Richmond in Hanover and continues onto the Capital Trail before finishing at Jamestown Beach Park in historic Williamsburg.Teams for the Colonial70 Relay are generally made up of 2 to 6 people who split 12 legs. For instance, each person of a 6 person relay team will run two legs over distances varying from 3 – 10 miles. Each team will provide their own support vehicle to drop off and pick up runners at designated exchange zones along the 70+ mile route. The Colonial70 Relay is great fun for everyone – you don’t have to be an ultra runner to enjoy it. For a six person team the distances and training are similar to that of running just a little more than a 10K.
