Trail Fit

Click here for the Lead Stories

Endurance Relays: A New Spin on an Old Favorite

Posted August 22, 2007 at 03:02 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Motivation, News, Adventure/Relay, Training

endurance relay team Picture this: running hundreds of miles across state highways and trails, sometimes with only the moon to light your way, supported by dedicated teammates who are ready to trade-off with you every 3 miles or so follow along in a decorated van, while you all envision the festivities that await you at the finish line. Sound like something you’d enjoy? Then maybe you should consider signing yourself up for an endurance relay race.

Relay races used to bring to mind images of high school or college athletes running around an oblong track with side attractions consisting mostly of marching band music and fundraising booths. And though there’s nothing wrong with such an athletic event, these days there are alternative activities to consider. Welcome to the age of the endurance relay race, where distances are lengthened to stretch across hundreds of miles, limited time-frames are instilled, and food and fun often meet you at the end of your journey.

endurance relay run2 Endurance relay races take the idea of standard relays to the next level. From longer distances to picturesque courses to the chance to compete in some over-night racing, endurance relays make the process of relay events both fun and rewarding. Who wouldn’t like to brag to their friends that they ran hundreds of miles across cities and states? Even more important than bragging rights, many runners in such relay events cite the lifelong friendships these endurance runs can spawn. Team sports are known for their ability to create strong bonds amongst teammates and endurance relay races are no exception. As quoted in the NY Times by a participant, “It takes a certain kind of person who wants to run through the night, and after 30 hours together you know who you can be lifelong friends with.”