American Odyssey Relay Teams

Okay RMEC, it is time to try to bait you all into some more crazy race ideas. Life is about stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying something you never thought you would do. . . now is your chance!

I am realy excited about this race. Many of you have read about the RMEC team that completed the Blue Ridge Mountain Relay in September. It was a 200+ mile scenic adventure that took about 28 hours. It was tough, it was frustrating, but once the exhaustion was finally gone, I realized it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Five of the original six-man team from the RMEC are putting together another effort this Spring. We want to see more RMEC teams on the race course.

THE RACE: The American Odyssey Relay is another 200+ mile race that travels from Gettysburg, PA to Washington DC. The course is far less hilly than the Blue Ridge race, but equally as scenic. Runners will go through State Parks, Civil War battle grounds, country roads, national forests, beside rivers, and ultimately finish running into Washington DC. . . sounds pretty cool doesn't it?

THE DATE:  The relay starts on Friday 04/29 and finishes on Saturday 04/30.

THE TEAMS: Relay teams are made up of 6-12 members, and run a total of 36 legs. The shortest leg is 3.5 miles, and the longest is 8.8 miles. If you have a 6-man ultra team, each runner would run six times and total an average of about 33 miles. A 12-man team would run three times each and total about 17 miles. It is a challenge, but worth it.

THE OASIS: The Odyssey Relay has something that is pretty unique. They have included what they call the "Odyssey Oasis Festival" in Boonsboro. Leg 16, 17, and 18 are a variety of out-and-back loops. This allows for the van to stay parked for a short while. They have food, showers, music, and massages available. It allows for both vans (if you are a 12-man team) to hang out. It also allows a chance to meet the other teams. It is a chance to recharge before heading out for the second half of the race.

THE LOGISTICS: It is really not the hard to do a relay as long as you a) have directions, and b) follow those directions. 6-man teams rent (or borrow) a van. Runner A starts to run, and the van drives to the next exchange zone. When Runner A arrives, Runner B leaves, and the van drives off again. You repeat this another 34 times. 12-man teams use two vans so one van is a "racing-van" and the other is a "resting-van".

THE START TIMES: Teams start at various times on the first day of the relay. The faster the predicted time, the later your start. This way teams stay as closely grouped together as possible. So if you are concerned about being the last team on the course all by yourself, there is no need to worry. With well over 200 teams of all ability levels you will be in good company.

LEARN MORE: This is lots of information on the American Odyssey Relay website. You can learn about the course, check out each relay leg, and check out the FAQs.

If anyone is interested, please post a comment. This is not just an event for fast runners, or marathoners. Remember that at no time will you run more than nine miles unless you make a wrong turn, which never happens :-). Don't wait for someone else to take charge. If you are interested in running the relay SPEAK UP! You will not regret doing this!