Do I run the whole thing by myself? No. Ragnar is about doing something together you could never do alone. Teams of up to 12 run relay style from the start to end. On Road, the race is divided into 36 sections (called legs) and on Trail, the race has three loops. You’ll tag team it. Runner one will run the first leg or loop and you’ll meet them at the first handoff point. Then, Runner 2 will take over, and so-on-so-forth until everyone has run three legs or loops.
Do I run the whole thing by myself? There are two types of teams at a Ragnar: crazy and crazier. Or, more commonly known as a regular team (12 people for Road and 8 people for Trail) and an ultra team (6 people for Road and 3 for Trail). Each team type can register different divisions such as all women or all men teams, military, corporate, CrossFit, etc.
How many miles do you run as part of a team? Ragnarians will run anywhere from 12 to 25 miles (or double that on an ultra-team) divided into three sections. The exact mileage varies by race. Visit the event page, scroll down to the map, and click the down arrow next to “runner distances” to view your mileage.
How do you know where to go? If Dorthy and her Oz crew were to write a song about Ragnar, it would go something like “Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the bright blue signs.” Throughout the 200-mile course are reflective signs attached to bright orange cones or posts. When running, you’ll do the touch-and-turn method. So, you’ll run up to the sign, touch it, and then head in the direction it points. You also have the option of bringing along your phone with the downloaded Ragnar App, including a map of the course and that blinking blue dot that tells you where you’re at in comparison to where you’re supposed to be.
Do I have to be fast? Anyone can run a Ragnar, as long as you train. We require that teams have an overall pace of 11 min/ mile. This means that you can balance your paces throughout your team. (For example, if one person on your team runs a 14 min/ mile pace, have someone that runs a 8 min/mile pace so that you have an overall pace of 11 min/ mile.) The most important thing is that every team that starts is allowed to finish. If you’re running behind schedule, Ragnar Staff or the “Race Command” will work with you so that you finish before the cutoff.
Do you have to run at night? Typically yes. Ragnar are overnight running relay races that take on average 24-36 hours to complete. Most runners will have at least one run that’s at night, in the dark. But depending on the time of year, and daylight savings it is possible that you might not run in the dark. You’ll don your safety vest, headlamp and head off into the dark. And despite your initial fear of bears, you may find, like many others, that the night run is the best part of a Ragnar Relay. It’s a time to bask in peace and quiet, to gaze at the stars and run a little faster than you normally do. If you’re still nervous, you have the option to bring along a pacer or your phone. Next thing you know, you’ll be addicted to runs in the dark.
