FAQ's
Q. How does the relay work?
A. Teams cover 200+ miles of running from Fresno to Pismo Beach using sidewalks, backroads, bike paths, paved trails and road shoulders. Teams options are Regular (7+ Runners) and Ultra (4-6 Runners) that you form with friends, family members or co-workers.
Your team will use vans or SUVs and rotate lets over 200-ish miles, day and night, relay-style over two days and one night. Only one runner hits the road at a time. Each participant runs three or more times (depending on your team size), with each leg ranging between 3-9 miles and varying in difficulty. Runners average about 17 total miles, with some of the shorter runner positions totaling 12 miles and some of the longer runner positions totaling 22 miles. Ultra runners take on 6 legs each, and average a full marathon (26+ miles).
While one person is running, the rest of your teammates are on support duty in your race vehicles. Teams of 12 require two vehicles (Runners 1-6 in Van One and 7 -12 in Van Two). Van One's runners will cover the first six legs. As each runner begins, the crew in the vehicle can drive ahead, cheer their runner on and meet them at the exchange point to pick them up and drop off the next runner. After the first 6 legs, Van Two gets their chance to shine and starts putting in the miles.
On a Regualar Team (non-Ultra) you can enjoy downtime, get food, maybe sleep, and then drive ahead to the major exchange point to wait for your other van to finish their six legs.
Q.What are the starting times?
A. The race start times begin at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and continue in waves throughout the day until 1:00pm. A teams starting times will be determined from estimated average pace provided by the team.
Q.Where does the event start?
A. It will begin at the Fresno-Clovis Rail Trail at Nees and 41 Highway underpass in Fresno.
Q.Where does the race end?
A. The finish line for the race is on the sandy shores of Pismo Beach. It will be located just south of the Pier in front of the Sandcastle Inn.
Q. What is the distance?
A. The race spans 200.2 miles, from the city of Fresno to the sandy beaches of the Pismo Beach, California.
Q. How many Legs are there?
A. The race consists of thirty-six (36) Legs. Each runner is required to complete a minimum of three (3) of the 36.
Q. How long is each leg?
A. Each Leg ranges in distance from 3 to 8.9 miles. Legs vary in difficulty, from easy to very hard, due to the terrain.
Q. Why are we required to provide two volunteers?
A. Volunteers primarily help at the exchange zones along the route and are there as runners come thru, to be a presence for the teams, to make sure the teams are doing ok, cheer them on, make sure all teams are accounted for, etc. They can also volunteer at the start to get teams signed in and as well as at the finish. It certainly isn't that labor intensive, but it is making sure that there are people along the route to help guide the teams. Most volunteers will need to be at a station for about 4 hrs.
Q. What happens if one of our runners drops out?
A. They can be replaced by another runner up to race time. Let us know that you have a replacement, or if you still have at least 4 runners, you can just run without the runner that had to drop out. If they get injured during the race and can't go on, then another existing team member can jump in for him/her and continue on.
Q. Who provides the vans/vehicles?
A. Each team is responsible for their own vehicles. Please limit your vehicle to no larger than a 12 passenger van.
Q. How many runners must I have on my team?
A. A team must be composed of a minimum 4 runners and a maximum of 12 runners. Any number of runners between 4 and 12 is acceptable. If you have 7+ you are considered a Regular Team, and 6 or fewer is an Ultra Team.
Q. Can we pick any name for our Team Name?
A. Within reason, yes. Please remember this is a family friendly event so choose a name that that is appropriate. We will notify you if you need to choose a new one if it is deemed unacceptable.
