By Linea Jantz
Cover photo courtesy of Linea Jantz
The siren call of summer: We had a runner drop off our relay team last minute. Anyone want to run?
Last year, in this situation, I ran Ragnar Northwest Passage—a road relay of 12 runners, each running three legs, covering over 200 miles from the Peace Arch near the border with Canada down to Whidbey Island. The first night I tried to catch some sleep wrapped in a blanket in a field behind a casino as the sun set. Some people bring travel cots, sleeping bags and eye masks. If your vehicle has space, that looks much more comfortable.
I ran beneath a full moon on the bay in Anacortes, the smell of saltwater in the air, factories lit like fairy castles. I ran my last leg in 90-degree heat through rolling hills and wildflowers, dripping sweat, until the Sound swallowed the view. In between legs, I socialized more than I usually do in a month, getting to know former strangers in our van, dancing at transition zones, and sharing group meals.
As a solo runner, filling in a last-minute need for a relay team can be an underrated joy. One place to find a relay team in need is Relay Nation Runner and Team Finder. Keep in mind, these races typically cost hundreds of dollars per person. If you’re replacing a runner, ask if they already paid their portion of the fee. Ask for an estimate of how much you need to chip in for costs like van rentals. I have run some fun races for the cost of gas money, but it’s important to check before committing.
