Relayology is the science that studies
the structure and function of an Epic Relays
team running relay race.

Relay Structure

Epic Relays are perfect for the passionate outdoors enthusiast or the individual who's just out to get some exercise with friends. Most people fall in love with the relay after just one event. There is something exhilarating about running under starry skies as your team runs a distance that requires almost a full tank of gas to drive.

Team relays also offer a special camaraderie that can't be found in other running events. If you're not all good friends when you start you can be sure by the finish line you'll have made 11 great friends for life. If you're fond of running in costume or decorating your vehicle to show your team spirit this is your event. Finally, when it's time to cross that ever-anticipated finish line, it's tradition for your entire team to rally around the last runner and finish together.

 

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What it is

Each team consists of either 12 runners and two vehicles or 6 runners (ultra team) and one vehicle. Teams can bring a driver along or have team members alternate as driver, and pacers are welcome to run with runners at night.  Drivers and pacers must follow all traffic rules, all night safety rules and must sign the Relay Participant Waiver.

Each runner runs 3 separate legs in a 24 hour period (approximately every 8 hours). There are 36 legs total and the legs range from 3 to 8 miles.

Team vehicles must have the capacity to seat a minimum of 6 seat belted passengers, but no more than 15. Motor homes or RV's will not be permitted on the course. Information regarding discounts on vehicle rentals for relay participants can be found under Travel & Lodging on each individual relay’s home page. 

At Epic Relays we go to every possible length to ensure the safety of our runners; however the roads our relays take place on are still open to vehicular traffic. In cooperation with state departments of transportation and law enforcement we have designed relay courses that offer safety and epic scenery for our runners.

Our courses are well marked with signs, cones and volunteers to help runners and drivers navigate the course easily. Portable restrooms, trash cans and recycling boxes are stationed throughout the course as well. We ask all participants and volunteers to use these facilities instead of leaving waste along the route.

 

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Relay Function

How it works
Teams divide into 2 groups of 6 runners. Runners 1-6 are assigned to Vehicle 1 and runners 7-12 to Vehicle 2 (for ultra teams all 6 runners are in the same vehicle). At the start of the relay Vehicle 1 is the active vehicle and Vehicle 2 is the inactive vehicle. Runner 1 begins and hands off to Runner 2 who in turn hands off to Runner 3 and so on until all 6 runners from Vehicle 1 have run. Runner 6 hands off to Runner 7 and Vehicle 2 becomes the active vehicle and Vehicle 1 becomes the inactive vehicle. Runners 7-12 then run through their rotation and Runner 12 hands off to Runner 1 and Vehicle 1 becomes the active vehicle again. This repeats 3 times until all 12 runners have run 3 times. For example Runner 1 will run legs 1, 13 and 25.

Each time there is a runner hand-off it is called an exchange. There are a total of 35 exchanges along the relay course. Each time Runner 6 hands off to Runner 7 or Runner 12 hands off to Runner 1 it is called a vehicle exchange. There are 5 vehicle exchanges along the relay course. While the active vehicle is running the inactive vehicle has a few hours to throw a Frisbee, grab a bite to eat, or take a nap.

Although there are portable restrooms, trash cans and recycling boxes along the course, teams are required to be self-sustaining. Be sure to bring enough fluids and food for your team to stay hydrated and energized for the entire race. There will be places along the course to stop for food and drink, and to sleep. Information regarding eating and lodging can be found on each individual relay’s home page under Course and Travel & Lodging.

Each team will designate a team captain that acts as a liaison between Epic Relays and their team. Team captains are responsible for registering the team, keeping the team aware of all important information regarding the relay and checking their team in at the starting line.

Teams will be on the course anywhere from 22 to 36 hours. To keep all finish times as close together as possible, teams will start in waves every half hour to an hour depending on the number of teams. The slower your team’s average pace, the earlier your team will start. All Epic Relays 24 hour relays begin on a Friday and end on a Saturday.

 

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Getting Started

The first thing you need to do is to put a team together. To start we suggest finding as many friends or co-workers as you can that would want to join you in this endorphin-rich experience. Sometimes that will be enough to field your whole team. If not, have your friend's talk to a few of their friend's and before you know it you'll have your team. If you can't convince enough people that this epic event will be the highlight of their year please contact us and we will do our best to get you on a team.

A few important things before you start rallying up your team:

At Epic Relays we are passionate about recreation and our beautiful planet. We are dedicated to promoting wholesome outdoor recreation and preserving the magnificent areas in which this recreation takes place. To prove this commitment we are teaming up with non-profit groups dedicated to preserving each of the areas an Epic Relay takes place. A portion of the proceeds from each relay will go back to preserving the area in which the race is held.

With that in mind you should be aware that Epic Relays does not tolerate any act whatsoever that would contribute to the destruction of any of the areas that an Epic Relay takes place. Legal action will be taken on any individual or group of individuals caught taking part in such an act while participating in an Epic Relay.

 

We are anxious to enjoy this unforgettable experience with you.