With the tag line, “We by no means stated it could be simple, we solely stated it could be unforgettable,” the ever-growing Ragnar relay races and occasions happen throughout the globe on each metropolis roads and scenic trails. Ragnar groups collect their working gear, snacks, and optimism to trek miles by way of cities, forests, and oceanic boardwalks one quick step at a time.
Historical past of Ragnar
Began in 2004 in Utah, founder Steve Hill and his son, Dan, and Dan’s faculty roommate, Tanner Bell, created the primary Wasatch Again relay, traversing 188 miles from Logan to Park Metropolis, Utah. This comparatively small relay grew quickly and has since expanded to races throughout the globe with 1000’s of contributors.
Named Ragnar after a free-spirited, fearless king and hero of early ninth-century Scandinavia, the founders felt King Ragnar embodied the spirit of runners all competing towards a standard purpose: ending a wild and difficult relay race.
What’s Street Ragnar?
Contributors can select to run street Ragnars, comparable in terrain to what you’d expertise at normal metropolis marathons—though a part of the whole mileage happens on bike paths and sidewalks for security functions.
As a result of Ragnar race officers don’t shut down metropolis roads, they stagger begin occasions so a whole bunch of runners aren’t taking to the streets/sidewalks on the similar minute, wreaking havoc on site visitors (this additionally protects contributors). Runners usually run on sidewalks and should at all times obey site visitors guidelines, corresponding to minding crosswalk indicators and avoiding jaywalking.
In a typical street Ragnar, groups of 12 runners wind by way of 200 miles in a relay format. Every leg of this 200-mile relay can vary from two miles to 10+ miles, and runners ought to select their legs appropriately. (Extra superior runners would possibly wish to select longer legs, relying on their endurance and coaching.)
Runners who would like to finish higher mileage can type an extremely workforce of six members who full double the mileage as a substitute.
The relay begins within the morning, runs by way of the night time and into the following day. Relying in your leg, you can run at midnight or 4 a.m., making sleep probably non-existent all through all the relay.
Relay groups usually hire two vans (six individuals in every van) for driving, as you have to meet every runner at each stopping level to move your relay bracelet (or no matter Ragnar marker the energetic workforce member is carrying). This implies additionally driving 200 miles along with all of the working. Contributors ought to really feel ready for this and make plans appropriately, as drivers will want sleep to remain awake on the wheel.
When you can sleep, you may want to take action within the van, on grassy fields, and in parking heaps at stopping factors all through the relay.
In a street Ragnar, every teammate runs three separate legs for a complete of 11 to 24 miles, with loads of downtime in between every leg. This offers you ample time to develop camaraderie with your individual workforce and with different relay groups.
On the finish of the relay, all 12 members run collectively by way of an orange arch as they cross the end line.
Street Ragnars happen everywhere in the nation, and in addition in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and South Africa. Within the U.S. you may discover a number of races within the midwest, northeast, south, and within the mountain areas. The Ragnar web site supplies essentially the most present checklist of areas and course info.
Groups compete in comparable classifications and divisions:
Classifications:
- Males: 7-12 males
- Girls: All ladies
- Blended: 6 or extra ladies
Divisions:
- Open: All are underneath 40 years outdated
- Masters: All are over 40 years outdated
- Company: For workforce bonding along with your co-workers, you’ll be able to register as a company workforce if 50 p.c of the contributors are from the identical firm
- Army/Public Service: 50 p.c of your workforce have to be service individuals
- Highschool: Younger individuals can take part in a Ragnar if ages 12-18 and are in a mixed-race classification
- Wildcard: Your workforce desires to opt-out of competing for time and run for enjoyable solely
What’s a Path Ragnar?
You’ll be able to take your working off congested metropolis streets and onto peaceable, winding trails all through quite a few picturesque backwoods in a path Ragnar. These races give you forest, mountain, and valley views with no sound however your ft hitting the dust on the bottom.
Not like the extra crowded street Ragnars, path Ragnars embody groups of eight (reasonably than 12) who move by way of 120 miles in three repeating loops. For many who want a critical problem, you’ll be able to type an extremely workforce of 4 runners and double your mileage.
Runners sleep in momentary tent cities referred to as “Ragnar Village.” For anybody who despises conventional tenting, you’ll be able to reserve an unique “glampsite” the place you obtain pre-prepared tents (no have to cope with these difficult tent sticks), coolers filled with ice for a refreshing chilly beverage after your run, and a concierge service.
Within the path Ragnar, every teammate completes every race loop one time, with inexperienced, yellow, and purple colours in your bib to show what loop you’re working. The whole mileage is roughly 15 per runner. You must also practice for elevation.
Path Ragnars happen within the following areas:
- Tahoe: Sugar Bowl Resort, Norden, California
- So Cal: Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, California
- New Jersey: Wawayanda State Park, New Jersey
- Cape City: Elgin Grabow Nation Membership
- Rainier: Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
- Appalachians: Huge Bear Lake Camplands
In case your workforce is of the aggressive nature, you’ll be able to change your classification and division to compete towards runners of comparable age.
Classifications:
- Males: 4-6 males
- Girls: All ladies
- Blended: 3 or extra ladies
Divisions:
- Open: A number of is underneath 40 years outdated
- Masters: All are over 40 years outdated
- Company: For workforce bonding along with your co-workers, you’ll be able to register as a company workforce if 50 p.c of the contributors are from the identical firm
- Army/Public Service: 50 p.c of your workforce have to be service individuals
- Highschool: Younger individuals can take part in a Ragnar if ages 12-18 and are in a mixed-race classification
- Wildcard: Your workforce desires to opt-out of competing for time and run for enjoyable solely
What’s Sundown Ragnar?
When you don’t really feel like working by way of the night time and tenting out, Ragnar additionally makes a smaller size relay race accessible referred to as Sundown Ranger. On this possibility, groups of 4 run a relay in an effort to beat the solar setting. Operating concerning the size of a standard marathon in just one night (roughly 26 miles), one runner finishes a single loop earlier than the following workforce member begins. You all work towards crossing the end line earlier than the night time grows darkish.
For the well-trained endurance athlete, you’ll be able to be a part of one pal and run double the mileage—concerning the size of a half marathon in a single night time. The race additionally comes with an added bonus: a “during-” and after-party. As dinnertime rolls round, meals vans maintain runners and spectators satiated, and dwell music retains everybody entertained. After your workforce finishes, you’ll be able to all jam out collectively and have a good time your accomplishment.
Sundown races happen within the following areas:
- Santa Clarita: Central Park, Santa Clarita, California
- Colorado: Winterpark, Colorado
- Miami: Historic Virginia Key Seaside, Florida
- Twin Cities Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford, Minnesota
- Lake Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
- Cincinnati: Sawyer Level, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Salt Lake Metropolis: That is the Place Heritage Park, Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
- Nova: Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, Virginia
- Seattle: Lake Sammamish State Park, Seattle, Washington
Classifications:
- Males: 3-4 males
- Girls: 4 ladies
- Blended: 1 or 2 males
Divisions:
- Open: A number of is underneath 40 years outdated
- Masters: All are over 40 years outdated
Gear Wanted
Relying on which Ragnar you select, you have to particular gear to finish the complete race.
Street Ragnar
You need to pack the next tools and attire for a Street Ragnar. As at all times, check out your attire/gear in coaching to verify they be just right for you. You shouldn’t attempt experimenting with vitamin and attire on Ragnar race day.
- Correct trainers
- Snacks for the lengthy drives and vitality to run, corresponding to nuts, vitality gels, sports activities drinks, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, path combine, and digestible fruits like pears, plums, oranges, and bananas
- Three modifications of working garments for every leg. Relying on the place you run, the temperature can drop at night time. You need to deliver a water-resistant working jacket and lengthy working pants.
- Three modifications of socks
- A headlamp
- Reflective gear. Ragnar requires each participant to point out they’ve a reflective vest earlier than beginning the race.
- A watch/Garmin to watch your time and distance.
- Your smartphone that can assist you get to the completely different stopping factors all through the relay. Ragnar additionally supplies directions.
- Music for the automotive trip
- For street Ragnars, you have got the flexibility to move to eating places and cease at fuel stations for snacks and water. You need to deliver additional money or an ATM card for added bills.
Path Ragnar
You need to observe the gear for street Ragnars, but in addition take into account the particular wants of path working, corresponding to the next:
- As a result of trails can get fairly muddy, you would possibly wish to take into account bringing gators to cowl up your socks and lengthy working pants from additional mud and puddles. You additionally would possibly wish to deliver alongside an additional pair of footwear. You don’t want path trainers. Your common trainers will do, however you need to use path footwear if you happen to’re accustomed to them.
- You additionally should deliver sufficient meals to final for all the race as you is perhaps too removed from civilization to buy additional provides. Carry greater than you suppose you want.
Sundown Ragnar
As a result of this race stays comparatively brief and takes place solely at night time, it’s best to deliver your trainers, vitamin (gels, sports activities drink), and a change of garments if you wish to social gathering after.
Why Take part in Ragnar Relays?
Most individuals full Ragnar relays to really feel a way of group with different runners, to perform a difficult purpose and for the chance to run someplace scenic and maybe new to you. As well as, scientific-backed analysis reveals why it’s best to take into account such an enticing and galvanizing expertise.
In a December 2016 research from Scientific Stories, researchers discovered that while you work out with others, you have got extra train adherence, vanity, and social capital.
Spending time with like-minded individuals, corresponding to with a Ragnar relay, will aid you obtain a working purpose, in line with the American Coronary heart Affiliation. If you wish to run a race however a marathon appears daunting, a Ragnar generally is a wholesome strategy to begin for its social side, reasonably than spending 26.2 miles working alone.
For a path Ragnar, you’ll be able to run in nature and have a higher sense of security since you’re in a race with different runners round. A January 2013 evaluate revealed in Excessive Physiology & Drugs discovered that train occurring in a pure, inexperienced setting is perceived as really simpler than in different settings.
