FAQs
1. Are runners nuts to even consider this?
Only in a good way! It's quite simply the most fun you'll ever have running, bar none.
2. How does the whole thing work?
There are two vans, with six runners each. The first runner takes off from the start and the first van heads to transition point one. The second van of six runners has a bunch of free time to sight see or just hang around. When runner one gets to the first transition, he/she hands off the baton to the second runner who heads to the next transition. Runner one stretches, puts on a dry shirt and hops in the van, which heads to the next transition. This process continues until the sixth runner completes leg 6, at which time van two meets van one and runner 7 takes over. Now van one's runners have several hours off while van two repeats the process outlined above. This continues until everyone has run three times.
3. Is there a time limit for completing the total distance?
Yes. You will need to complete the entire relay in about 35-36 hours, which comes out to approximately 10:15 to 10:30 per mile.
4. How does the whole night time running thing work?
Runners will almost all have to run one leg at night. Night time running requires a headlamp or flashlight and a reflective vest that has lights on it. We also strongly suggest that runners carry cell phones during night time runs. It will be dark from about 8:15 until about 5:45, so lights will be required from 7:45 until 6:00.
5. Do runners supply their own vans?
Yes, and you should also supply a deodorizing thing-a-ma-jig to hang from the rearview mirror. Personally, I'd tell someone else on your team that your van is having "mechanical problems" and that you need to take theirs. Or... RENT! Seriously, for just a minute---vans are the preferred method of travel. SUVs are okay too. Really large SUVs and really large vans--you know 15 seaters--will clog up the transition areas and make it tough for everyone so please leave them home. Motor homes are not permissible and will not be allowed in the transition areas.
6. Do runners need to run in the same order for the whole race?
Yes, if you want to have your results count. So, runner one runs the first, thirteenth and twenty-fifth legs, and so on. But, if you could care less about placing first in your category, then run in whatever order you like.
7. Are all the legs roughly the same distance and difficulty?
No. Every group has a glutton for punishment and every group has a more sane, okay slightly wimpier, runner. The legs vary in distance from a bit over 3 miles to 8.9 tough miles. We have marked them as easy, medium, hard and very hard. The chart on the Course Maps page lays out the legs by distance and difficulty.
8. What if a runner gets lost along the way?
We've put together precise turn by turn directions and we'll mark the course and there are maps. Still, it could happen. If you have concerns about this, think about taking the legs with the fewest turns, and also think about taking your cell phone with you when you run. In the event you get lost and you have your phone, you should be able to figure out how to get found! In any event, try to retrace your steps as best you can and see where you went off course. You shouldn't be off by that much. The rules don't permit you to accept a ride back to the course, so even if you have nice teammates who come out and find you, try not to take a ride back, just let them guide you back.
9. Are there food stores and gas stations along the way?
For the most part, yes. We do run through some fairly remote areas that won't have much in the way of services. That being said, you should be able to get some food and gas in a pretty reasonable fashion. We still suggest that you carry enough food and drink replenishment with you, however.
10. Do teams have to consist of 12 team members?
We think it's more fun that way, but no, you don't. You can run it with any amount up to 12 that you want, though it's easier if the number divides evenly into 36.
11. Do teams have to raise money for your charitable partner?
No, your registration fee is all you have to pay in that regard. We are donating a portion of the proceeds from registrations, sponsorships and merchandise to The Wellness Community-DC, a cancer support services charity. Of course, we'd be delighted if you are inclined to raise money for The Wellness Community-DC, but we don't require it.
12. Do teams need to have the names of their volunteers at the time of registration?
No, but for every week that passes that you don't give me their names, you will be required to add another volunteer. That was a joke. You can give us the volunteers' names and contact information about 30 days before race day.
13. What do you do to make this race as safe as possible?
I'm glad you asked! First, and foremost, we've designed the course to minimize the usage of high speed roads as much as possible. Not only is it a safety issue -- who wants to run on the shoulder of a busy road?! I'm confident you'll find that we have less traffic and fewer high speed roads than most comparable relays. We will take great care to point out any congested areas in advance. We will require all of the usual night time accoutrements such as head lamps or flashlights and flashing vests. However, at the end of the day, you need to take a very strong and aggressive position on your own to assure your own safety. Don't dodge into intersections, don't play chicken with vehicles, don't run with headphones, etc.
We also run on an entirely permitted course. Some races view permits as a pain to be avoided. We agree that they are a pain, but we work with the authorities in every jurisdiction to assure we have their permission to run on the course. That way we know about possible problems and we have their help and cooperation should any issues arise. To try to run a race like this without a fully permitted course would be irresponsible.
14. Is there a special way to train for a relay?
Yes. Get in a van with five other smelly people, crank up the iPod and drive around for about 24 hours and then you should be ready! As for the running part, from our experience, you need to be in better shape than the typical 10K racer, but not in as good shape as a marathoner. We've occasionally trained by running one morning and then running again that evening and the next morning. It's a rough simulation, but it works.
15. What time does the race start?
It is a staggered start with the teams predicting slower finishing times starting first. Those predicting 10 minute miles will start around 7:30 am or so. Those predicting 6 minute miles may start as late as 3:00 pm. Now, about those predicted times. . . you will run faster than you think, trust us. Anyone who sandbags on the prediction to get an earlier start will force us to get our volunteers out of bed hours earlier than we originally planned. If that happens we will behead the sandbaggers first and ask questions later!
16. Can we register even if we don't have all 12 team members identified yet?
Yes. We will need to know your predicted time by about a month before the race for start time purposes. We can always get the signed waiver from late registrants at the team captain's meeting the night before the race.
17. Does everyone on the team need to be at the start?
Well, it's way more fun that way, but no. We will need signed waivers from everyone. If you've registered online we will have that from you. If you've registered via mail, then your team captain will have to get me that before your team can start. Mandatory check in occurs between 3:00 and 8:30 pm on the Thursday before race day at the headquarters hotel. There is also a mandatory team captains' meeting the night before the race at 8:30 pm at the race headquarters hotel. Someone from each team must be there! We simply have way too much to do the day of the race to be collecting waivers and checking teams in, so please work with us on this!
18. I still have questions, how can I find answers?
Two ways. First, email bob@americanodysseyrelay.com. If I think the question has been answered on the site, I reserve the right to yell at you! Second, there will be a very detailed "race bible" sent to every team captain. If you are already registered, you will get this well before the race.
As I just said, if you have any questions that weren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to send me an email.
