The Ragnar Relay is a unique running event.  The original, and by far most popular, race was started in Utah.  The race is unique in that it is a relay style event.  Over the 200 mile course, teams of 12 journey for 2 days and one night from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah.  Each runner completes 3 legs, which vary in difficult and distance, ranging from 3 – 8 miles.  The Wasatch Back route goes over mountain passes and valleys.  Some runners will have 1600 feet of elevation gain in a short 4 miles.  

The best part about the event is that it takes running, a normally solitary sport, and turns it into a team endeavor.  You get the benefits of exercise, the enjoyment of running in some truly spectacular scenery, and to hang out with your friends for 24 hours.

Ragnar Relay’s have grown in popularity over the years, with individual races spread out all across the country, but by far the most popular is the Wasatch Back.  The race typically sells out within a week of opening.  Traffic is diverted over a long period of time to accommodate runners.  Entire High Schools are converted into makeshift shelters for the weary runners to try and “sleep” before their next leg.  Every minute is an adventure.

I could write more, but I think the best description of the Ragnar relay is this mini-documentary that ESPN did a few years ago.  It chronicles the journey of team “never nudes” as they embark on a Ragnar relay.  It’s 10 minutes long, but completely worth it.

Unfortunately ESPN won’t let me embed the video into this page, so go visit

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=6861081

If you want a shorter version, check out the video below.

See you at the Wasatch Back

Interested in seeing if there is a Ragnar Relay in your area?  Go to their website at http://www.ragnarrelay.com/