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Operating provides every kind of advantages: group, health, journey, surroundings, to call a couple of. However there’s just one place you’ll discover all of them collectively in a single expertise, and that’s at a Ragnar path relay. With a wide range of occasions nationwide, Ragnar provides an thrilling crew factor to races, boosts the group vibe with a tenting village, and provides contributors the chance to problem themselves on a number of the most stunning trails in america. To be taught extra about Ragnar, we talked to the consultants: Ragnar path race director CC Pelletier and Ragnar ambassador Valencia Hike.
A Path Sequence for Everybody
Outdoors: How are Ragnar races completely different from different path collection?
CC Pelletier, Ragnar Path Race Director: Path races have already got an ideal sense of group round them, however since Ragnar path race opponents work as groups in a relay format, that group side is heightened. There are breaks between every section for opponents to speak to teammates and different runners. Ragnar races supply the distinctive alternative to make new, lasting friendships.
Whenever you compete in a Ragnar path race, you’ll be tenting. That provides one other layer of problem or enjoyable, relying on how you’re feeling about tenting. Campsites are arrange proper close to the Ragnar Village, the place you’ll roast s’mores, meet different runners, and have alternatives to win associate prizes all through the occasion. Plus, most of the ultrarunning occasions embody night time operating for 3, 5, or seven miles. Some runners have by no means skilled something like this. And who doesn’t take pleasure in making an attempt one thing new?
Can all runners take part in a Ragnar path race?
Pelletier: The most effective elements of Ragnar is that runners of all skills are inspired to take part. Whether or not you run an 18-minute mile or are a podium common, you’re welcome right here. The first step is assembling a strong crew. A typical crew has eight runners, whereas an extremely crew has 4 members. If you will discover one operating pal to rope in, you may solid a wider internet collectively to seek out one other, and one other—earlier than you understand it, you might have a whole crew. From there, you simply must designate one member because the captain to enroll the crew on-line and ship out the official digital invite to the opposite runners.
Tip: Keep in mind, spectators are welcome at Ragnar for the weekend, so for those who’re in search of a camp chef, deliver them alongside!
Races Constructed on Neighborhood
What’s the operating group like at a Ragnar occasion?
Valencia Hike, Ragnar Ambassador: It’s like stumbling upon an impromptu out of doors social gathering in the midst of the woods. The Ragnar operating group is exclusive in that whilst you have your crew of runners, you’re feeling such as you’re part of one thing bigger than simply your crew. The Ragnar Village, exchanges, and camp actions create particular reminiscences and a chance to be a part of a much bigger crew and get to know different runners on a extra private stage.
Being a Ragnarian goes past operating. It’s about exploration and journey, no matter tempo. This problem pushes you to step out of your consolation zone. At Ragnar, all of us embark on the identical two-day journey collectively, conquering the identical trails relay-style, mile after mile. It’s a group the place we depend on each other, making it an unforgettable expertise.
Races Are Supplied Nationwide
Are you able to inform us about your favourite Ragnar path race?
Hike: Ragnar Path Appalachians is my favourite path race within the collection. It holds a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of I had many first-time experiences there. I used to be solely path operating for a 12 months once I satisfied six different new path runners to affix me at this occasion. That night time, a extreme storm hit, and plenty of groups gave up. My crew dug deep, refused to stop, and completed the race. It left me feeling achieved and jogged my memory that I can do difficult issues.
The next 12 months, I ran as part of an extremely crew of 4 runners (as an alternative of the usual eight), and we positioned third. I returned the following 12 months and was excited to tackle the more difficult Black Loop course on the Appalachians Path, which has double the mileage and solely permits for one teammate. The next 12 months, I returned to offer again and expertise the race from a unique perspective, so I took on the position of Black Loop supervisor. Witnessing all of the runners having enjoyable and taking over the problem collectively was equally rewarding.
Which races ought to runners be looking out for?
Pelletier: When you’ve by no means run a Ragnar path race earlier than, I’d recommend trying out our race map on-line. We’ve 19 path races in america, and every one is slightly completely different with native aptitude. Some races have been held for greater than ten years, whereas others are newer on the scene. Certainly one of our oldest and hottest races is Ragnar Path Zion, positioned in southern Utah. It’s one of many few areas inside strolling distance of indoor lodging and the one location inside strolling distance of swimming swimming pools and sizzling tubs.
We even have a brand-new race in 2024 being held within the northwestern tip of Arkansas. Fayetteville has welcomed us with open arms, and we are able to’t wait to host the primary Ragnar Path Arkansas!
Ragnar Path Arkansas
April 19–20, 2024
Ragnar Path Atlanta
April 19–20, 2024
Ragnar Path Richmond
April 26–27, 2024
Ragnar Path Zion
Might 10–11, 2024
Ragnar Path Kentucky
Might 17–18, 2024
Ragnar Path Colorado
June 7–8, 2024
Ragnar Path Ohio
June 14–15, 2024
Ragnar Path Michigan
June 21–22, 2024
Ragnar Path Appalachians
August 9–10, 2024
Ragnar Path Tahoe
August 16–17, 2024
Ragnar Prepare Rainier
August 23–24, 2024
Ragnar Path Vermont
September 6–7, 2024
Ragnar Path Wisconsin
September 20–21, 2024
Ragnar Path New Jersey
October 4–5, 2024
Ragnar Path Texas
October 11–12, 2024
Ragnar Path So Cal
October 25–26, 2024
Ragnar Path Arizona
November 1–2, 2024
Ragnar Path Florida
December 6–7, 2024
Ragnar Path Oregon
TBD
Primarily based in Utah, with 100,000-plus contributors yearly, Ragnar is the biggest in a single day operating relay collection in america. The portfolio consists of 25-plus nationwide street and path relays that create moments of shared journey and human connection. Be taught extra at runragnar.com.
