Did I mention that there are a bunch of fun sounding relays being announced for 2010?
The second new race I have to announce this week is the Lake Chase Happy Valley Relay around Utah Lake near Orem, Utah. The relay is tentatively scheduled for May 21-22, 2010. Featuring flat, fast miles, the incredible Utah skyline, and picture perfect Utah Lake, the Lake Chase Happy Valley Relay is a great relay for teams looking for the relay experience without all the headaches of the 12 man team. Designed for teams of 6 to 8 runners, the relay will come in around 130 miles with 24 legs, which should take an average of 18 hours to complete for the teams (based on an 8:30 average pace). They do have several ultra categories, including solo, duo and a regular ultra category for 3 to 5 runners. The course is still under development, but it will begin and end at Lakeview Ball Park. Legs will average between 3 and 8.5 miles each.
Enjoy the scenic Utah Lake as you race 130 miles with your friends
Registering early for this relay definitely has its perks. Early registration fees, which are available through December 1st, are $500 for a regular team of 6 – 8, $300 for an ultra team of 3 – 5, $150 for a duo, and $100 for a solo runner. These fees will rise to $700, $500, $250 and $150 respectively after December 1st, and will remain in place until April 1. Team captains who are among the first 20 to register will receive a gift on race day check-in; the first 10 teams who complete their entire registration online will receive a prize for the entire team at check-in. Registration details can be viewed here.
The finish line party looks like it will be a family friendly event. Included in the festivities are vendor booths & freebies, live music on stage, bounce houses for kids, as well as recognition and awards ceremonies. For more information on this relay, be sure to check out their website.
One of the trends that I am starting to notice in relays is the development of shorter courses – between 70 and 130 or so miles – for relays that can be run with smaller teams or in a long day. The advantage of these shorter courses is in the logistics for the teams involved; smaller teams are far easier to recruit and manage than longer ones. One of the biggest barriers for relay teams on the long relays is finding and keeping 12 runners until race day. Part of the appeal of the ultra category is in the fact that it is just much easier to keep a team of 6 together, even if that means you are running 30 miles or more on race weekend. The races of 100 miles or less are great in that they can be done in one day, and usually with a smaller team, so that you are dealing with fewer packing issues, one vehicle, and a regular bed to sleep in at night. Finish your course at a resort, and you’ve got a great weekend for potential racers!
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