Nathan has become the “official headlamp, hydration, and reflective gear partner” of the Ragnar Relay series and the “headlamp, hydration, and reflective gear partner” of the Ragnar Trail Relay series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragnar_Relay_Series
About: The Ragnar Relay Series is a collection of long-distance relay races. The Ragnar Relay Series hosts 15 races across the United States and Canada, making it the largest relay race series in the world. The original Ragnar Relay took place in 2003, covering 196 miles round-trip through the Wasatch Mountains with 18 teams participating.
Race Format
Each Ragnar Relay covers approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) and takes place over two days and one night. There are two types of teams: traditional and ultra teams. Traditional teams consist of 12 runners, while ultra teams have 6. Each runner on a traditional team runs three legs, with each leg ranging from 3 to 11 miles, resulting in a total distance of about 9 to 21 miles per runner—suitable for various skill levels. Each ultra team runner completes six legs, which can be run individually or back-to-back.
Each team is given a slap bracelet that serves as the baton throughout the race. When runners hand off, the outgoing runner snaps the bracelet onto the wrist of the next runner, who then continues the leg. For traditional teams, the 12 runners are split between two vans, with only one van active at a specific time. Once all runners in Van 1 have completed their legs, the bracelet is passed to the first runner in Van 2. While Van 2 is active, Van 1 is on break (and vice versa).
Start Intervals
Depending on the team’s average pace, start times are staggered in 15-minute intervals. Each team estimates their total race time based on the average 10K pace of all runners. All teams must maintain an average pace of 12 minutes per mile or faster to finish within the allowed time frame. Slower teams start earlier but are usually overtaken by faster teams that start later. This ensures all teams arrive at the finish line within a few hours of each other.
Leg Distances
Each leg varies in distance, with most ranging between 3 to 8 miles. However, some legs may be as short as 2 miles or as long as 13.5 miles. Runners may get all short legs, all long legs, or a mix of both.
Team Size
Teams can consist of 4 to 12 runners. Most Ragnar teams have 12 runners, though many opt for the 6-person option.
Traditional Teams
Teams with 7 to 12 runners are considered “traditional” teams. The majority of traditional teams have 12 runners.
A 12-person team rotates runners at 35 exchange points throughout the race (excluding the start and finish lines). Runners remain in order throughout the race: Runner 1 is followed by Runner 2, then Runner 3, and so on.
A 12-person team is assigned to two separate vans, with each van covering six consecutive legs. Runners 1–6 ride in Van 1, and Runners 7–12 ride in Van 2.
Teams with 7 to 11 runners are also considered traditional teams. However, special rules apply for leg assignments in teams with fewer than 12 runners.
Ultra Teams
Teams with 6 or fewer runners are called “ultra” teams. Most ultra teams consist of 6 runners.
Each ultra team runner is responsible for three legs, which consist of two or more consecutive legs. For example, in a 6-person ultra team, Runner 1 runs Legs 1 and 2, Runner 2 runs Legs 3 and 4, Runner 3 runs Legs 5 and 6, and so on.
Special rules apply for ultra teams with fewer than 6 runners.
Race Checklist
Currently, the Ragnar Relay Series includes 15 different races.