Relay Race Round-Up: Tips on What to Pack, How to Fuel & Know What to Expect

Two years ago I ran my first relay race. It was equally exciting and exhausting. I was somewhat organized, but definitely didn’t properly fuel or bring enough clothing options. This weekend I’m running my 2nd relay race with New Balance, and I’m much more prepared. In fact, I’m probably over-prepared!

In case you aren’t familiar with relay races here’s a quick rundown on how it goes.

A team of 6-12 runners complete 200 miles over the course of 24 hours (or however long it takes). On a 12 person team there are 36 legs of the race. Each person runs three legs in a specific order. For example runner number 1 runs legs 1, 13 and 25. Each team of twelve is divided into two vans. These vans are your home for the duration of the race. While runners 1-6, in van number 1 alternate running their first legs, runners 7-12 wait around for their turn to run. When it isn’t your van’s turn to run, you eat, try to take a nap and bond with your team members.

This weekend I’m runner #1 in van #1. Over the course of the race I’m supposedly running 25.5 miles. We’ll see how that goes! I’ve prepped my gear and even made a fueling schedule. I’m not sure I can ever properly prepare for all the running combined with all the time in a van, but I’m going to try my best to not make the fueling mistakes I made in 2012.

Here are the best tips I’ve found on what to pack, how to fuel and how to know what to expect when running a relay race:

How to Fuel for Race Day – Runner’s World

199 Miles Later: Takeaways from Running Hood to Coast – Greatist

Ragnar Relay Packing List (downloadable PDF) – Another Mother Runner

26 Relay Race Tips for a Long Distance Relay Race – Run Lady Like

2011 New Hampshire Reach the Beach Recap – Health on the Run

Hood to Coast 2012 Recap – Fit Happy Girl