I’ve conquered half and full marathons as well as triathlons, and triumphed over the challenges of ultras. The prospect of a relay race has always held space in the back of my mind as the next step in my running career. Yet even though I’ve been invited to join teams, I’ve remained on the sidelines, because of the unknown of running alongside 11 other individuals who would depend on my performance. So when an editor-friend asked if I would fully immerse myself in the details of the best-known relay out there—Ragnar—and write about it, I figured this assignment would make me finally dive in. I was on board.
If you aren’t familiar: My Week in the Altra FWD VIA in which teams of 12 runners take turns covering a 200-mile course during a road event (in a trail event, teams of eight cover 120 miles). Individuals run three legs each that can range from 3 to 13 miles at a time, while the rest of the team follows along in vans. When the group from one van completes its legs, the group in the second van tackles its part of the course.
Much different from the races I am used to, so there were a few more pieces of information I needed before signing up. To get my questions answered, I spoke to Ragnar production and content manager Jen Brill (who also works as a person-on-the-course reporter during events), Ragnar road race director Tami Herchel, and two-time Ragnarian Will Stauffner (who happens to be a friend). Here’s what I found out.
What Ragnar Relay Race Should I Choose?
“Our teams have done a very nice job of selecting some of America’s most charming little towns and stunning landscapes,” declared Brill. She piqued my interest by asking, “Do you want to run in the desert at Ragnar Trail Arizona or Zion? Be in a lush, green forest like Ragnar Road Northwest Passage or Trail Appalachians? Or maybe you want to end up at the beach at Road SoCal or Reach The Beach which ends at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.” And while choosing a convenient location sounds sensible, Herchel pointed out how much fun it is to join one in an unfamiliar region and make it a destination run.
“Each year we put on 25 to 30 nationwide road and trail relay events and we’re thrilled to announce exciting new locations like Trail Arkansas, which is taking place April 19-20 in the wonderful community of Fayetteville,” said Herchel. “We have a team of individuals who are constantly seeking America’s most beautiful potential courses.” I was intrigued. I loved the idea of traveling to a new place Nutrition - Weight Loss.
How Do I Recruit or Join a Team?
“It’s all about the memories you make together. Some of the best stories we get are about lifelong friends who didn’t know each other until they ran on a Ragnar team together. You can build a team of close friends, friends of friends, cousin’s friends, and the list goes on,” Herschel said. “You’d be surprised how many of your friends and family are down for an unconventional weekend. And if you hit a dead end, jump on our official Ragnar Facebook page and ask about spots on teams, as a lot people are looking for runners.”
For Stauffer, running a Ragnar came after an invite from a friend, and the idea of running as part of a team for 36 hours sounded like a fun adventure. “The team was pretty much set when I was asked, and I only knew a couple of the guys. Getting to know people that share some of the same enjoyment and love of new challenges as you is one of the best parts of the experience,” the Wrightwood, California, resident said. But no matter the route taken to find a team, Brill maintained, it’s really about the desire to try something different. “Some people may think the event is all about running, but it’s a two-day event, and you run three times—with a lot of time in between where you’re actually hanging out and making memories.”
and seeing 200 miles of it as opposed to only 26, as I would in a marathon.
How Do I Train for a Ragnar Relay Race?
Through our conversation, I saw I could easily piggyback off my usual training schedule and do this as a follow-up to a prior race, especially since Ragnar offers 25 to 30 events a year. To dial in training specifically for a relay event, I’d get in some two-a-days, ensuring I was running on tired legs, and hit the road with my safety gear, especially at dusk or in the dark.
What Gear Do I Need?
Here’s the checklist, excluding a highly recommended first-aid kit and the two vans necessary to transport team members:
- Hydration system—Ragnar is a no-cup race, so a handheld bottle or vest/pack is a must to stay hydrated along the course.
- Safety gear—Each team is required to have two headlamps or running flashlights, two blinking LED taillights, and six reflective safety vests or belts, which are to be worn by 30 minutes before sunset and until 30 minutes after sunrise. Don’t forget extra batteries.
- Races & Places—Herchel recommends packing completely separate outfits for each of the running legs in resealable plastic bags: shorts, shirt, socks, hat, sports bra (for some of us). For downtime, bring flip-flops, comfy clothes, extra socks, a second pair of running shoes, rain gear, and body wipes to freshen up after each run.
- Other essentials—Ibuprofen, anti-chafing products, lip balm, sunscreen, and sunglasses are musts, along with your phone (to take pictures; stay in touch with your team, family, and friends; and access the Ragnar app for route info) and a waist belt to hold it all.
- Snacks—Lots of snacks and drinks pre- and post-run.
- Sleep stuff—Catching z’s can be challenging, and a travel pillow and blanket or a compact sleeping bag can make all the difference when you’re cozying up to that van window during the race.
Note: All major exchange areas have medics and supplies for minor injuries, including ankle wraps, ice, and blister aid.
Take on your next adventure. Get started here.
What’s Your Advice for First-Timers?
Stauffer acknowledged that fueling and hydrating can slip off the radar while you cheer on teammates, so as silly as it sounds, prioritize eating and drinking. The toughest part, though, was running in the dark, he said: “Anytime between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. was, and is still, not a normal time for me to run or work out.” His approach was “show up, suit up, lace up, and go—because once you start, it’s like any other run, and time of day is no longer a factor.” According to Brill, a majority of the participants she speaks to name night running as their favorite part of the event. It just shows each race should be approached with an open mind.
“New things can be intimidating in the beginning, but everyone is there to support and guide each other through the experience and focus on having a good time,” Herchel said, adding that although I might be apprehensive at the start and really tired at the end, the middle is magical. Brill agreed: “There are a million things that make up the magic of Ragnar. It’s just one of those experiences that gives people a chance to feel truly alive in a world that’s digital, demanding, and consuming.”
The beauty of Ragnar lies much deeper than simply the scenic courses traversing cities across the nation. It’s about community, adventure, and personal growth. “It’s truly a no-judgment zone, because you have these elite ultra runners, and then you’ll have someone walking by in a banana costume,” Brill said. “It’s as easy or as hard as you want it to be, and I think that sometimes surprises people.”
Will I sign up?
The prospect of embracing the team challenge while getting to experience running in new places beckons more than ever for me now. Writing this article has just solidified my thought that there is an exciting adventure waiting to unfold on the Ragnar race course. Hope to see you there too!
Ready to take the challenge? Go to RunRagnar.com to sign up.
