(4/24/2018)
RAGNAR GOES GREEN
The Reebok Ragnar Relay Series
is going green and we need your help to do it. We want to make small changes
that add up in a big way. Here are just some of the ways we will be going green
this year:
• CUPLESS RACES: Ragnar
Relay events are now cup less races. Every participant (runner, volunteer,
friend, family, crew, etc.) should bring two cups - one for cold liquid and one
for hot liquid. We will provide the water, hot chocolate, and coffee but you
need to bring the container. Runners are encouraged to use reusable water
bottles instead of plastic water bottles. Bring a big cooler of water in the
van and fill up your smaller, reusable water bottles as needed. Remember, there
won’t be cups at water stations along the course so bring your reusable cups
with you on your leg! By going cup less, you are helping us eliminate over
300,000 disposable cups from our races each year!
• No Trash at Minors: Van
1 and Van 2 will receive three clear trash liners, and one blue trash liner
when checking in at either Start or Exchange 6. There are no trash bins at
minor exchanges, so please use the trash liners in your van and dispose of
trash in the appropriate dumpster when you arrive at the next Major Exchange.
• Recycling: There will
be recycling at Major Exchange 6, Major Exchange 30, and the Finish Line.
Please use the blue trash liners for recycling and dispose of recyclables at
these locations.
We’re all in this together.
Just like you couldn’t conquer a Ragnar Relay without your team, we couldn’t
reach our goal to become more sustainable without you. Please keep the
following in mind while you are out enjoying the most unforgettable weekend of
the year!
• Turn your key, be idle
free: Whether you are pulled over on the side of the road and cheering on a
teammate or hanging out at an exchange please turn your vehicle completely off.
• Practice responsible
costuming: Feather boas, glitter, and streamers are all things that can
accidentally trash the course. When you are coming up with team costumes and
van decorations, please make sure that nothing can inadvertently fly off and
leave a mess while you are moving along the course.
• Drive the speed limit: Driving
the speed limit not only conserves fuel, it is also the safe thing to do! Plus,
you can get a violation for driving under the speed limit and holding up local
traffic.
• Bring reusable grocery
bags: Instead of using plastic bags to transport your food from the grocery
store to your van, use reusable bags instead. Remember, we’ll be providing
trash liners to collect any trash that accumulates in your van.
• Carpool: While running
a Ragnar Relay you’ll automatically be carpooling as you traverse some of the
most beautiful areas in the country. Why not carpool to the Start Line, Finish
Line, Packet Pick Up, or your training runs? Life is more fun with a copilot
anyway.
• Leave it better than you
found it: See a GU packet or gum wrapper on the course? Maybe someone
accidentally dropped trash from their van? These things happen. Pick it up and
leave it better than you found it! Bonus Karma points for you!
• Buy local first: Throughout
your 200-mile journey you’ll have the chance to taste the local flavor.
Local businesses and restaurants keep the money flowing within communities,
create jobs, use local produce, and are a solid pick when stopping for dinner,
coffee or snacks. While you’re there, don’t forget to thank them for being
awesome hosts!
LOVE THE LOCALS
Ragnar is a beautiful thing and
we want to keep it going for as long as we can while keeping our runners and
the local communities happy. Unfortunately, there have been times when Ragnar
has lost the support of local communities due to bad runner behavior. Our
relays cannot happen without the support of the people who live along the
course, so this year we are encouraging all Ragnarians to Love the Locals. We want to show these communities
just how much Ragnar loves and appreciates their hospitality. Please help us
make our courtesy campaign successful by being aware of the following while out
on the course:
• Respect quiet zones: Please
keep noise down during night time hours. Be aware of when you are in
residential areas. No honking, cowbell, loud talking, music or other loud
noises when in residential areas.
• Leave it better than you
found it: Like we mentioned earlier, be sure to pick up any and all trash
you see along the course or at exchanges.
• Keep van decorations
clean: A lot of the exchanges along the course are located at churches,
schools, and parks (aka places often frequented by children). Not only that,
but your vehicle will be seen by many locals as you drive along the 200-mile
course and through their communities. Please make sure your van decorations are
free of profanity, sexual innuendos, racial slurs, or any offensive images.
Unfortunately, inappropriate van decorations are one of the biggest reasons we
are not invited to return the next year.
• Thank the volunteers: These
events wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who donate their
time to make your Ragnar experience awesome and safe. Please thank them
frequently and always respect their instructions when at exchanges.
• Spread positive vibes: Please
think twice before making any negative comments about our communities or
volunteers – both in real life and on social media. You never know who is
listening and we want to make sure we’re only spreading positivity.
• When you got to go, go in
a toilet: You would think this one goes without saying, but runners should
only pee and poop exclusively in toilets. Public urination or defecation will
get you immediately disqualified and could even get your arrested. There are
many businesses with toilets available along the course in addition to the
portable restrooms provided by Ragnar at the exchange points. Plan accordingly.
• Keep off the grass: Please
stay off local residents’ landscaping. Do not run, walk, stand, park your
vehicles or sleep on their lawns or in their gardens.
• No trespassing: Do not
trespass onto other people’s property or force entry into any buildings.
• Dispose of trash in trash
cans: Putting trash in portable toilets causes serious problems so please
dispose of all trash at the designated areas at the major exchanges.
• Practice responsible
tagging: If you must tag another team’s van, please do so with either a
magnet or washable window markers. Only write on windows and not on the paint
to avoid damaging their vehicle. And of course, no vulgar language or images!
• Go with the flow: Drivers
should never slow down or block the flow of traffic to interact with runners.
Go the speed limit at all times and do not shadow your runners. Be considerate
of the drivers behind you. Traffic jams caused by slow van drivers is one of
our biggest complaints every year.
• Park responsibly: Park
in authorized parking spots only. Do not park in or block a neighbor’s
driveway. Only take up one parking spot.
CHECK IN
1. Check-In and Safety Gear
Check: Each van will need to show that they have 2 flashlights/headlamps, 6
reflective vests, and 2 LED tail lights. Jackets and shirts with reflective
piping will not be accepted. Teams must have these items with them to complete
check in.
2. Safety Briefing: All
members of your van will be required to watch the 10-minute safety and courtesy
video.
3. Flag Check-Out: Each
van will receive 2 safety flags to be returned at the end of the race
4. Goodie Bags: Each van
will receive 6 bibs, 2 van stickers, and 1 goodie bag
5. T-shirts (Thursday Packet
Pick-Up or Exchange 6 Only): Participants can pick up t-shirts by
individual, by van, or for the entire team. You will receive whatever size you
requested online, so please make sure you have the correct size entered on your
profile. Any participant wishing to exchange sizes may do so at the finish
line. You can contact customerservice@ragnarrelay.com to update your t-shirt
size.
RUNNING ON THE COURSE
Here is what you can expect
when running your legs along the course:
• Turn signs: There will
be turn signs located at intersections where you change direction as well as
confusing intersections to direct you where to go. Turn signs are ‘Touch and
Go’, which means you should not turn until you are close enough to touch the
sign. For example, if you come to an intersection and see a left turn sign
across the street, you should cross the street, get close enough to the sign to
touch it and then turn left. This makes sure you do not turn left too
early and risk missing additional signs along the course because you were on
the wrong side of the road.
• Missing signs: There
are hundreds of signs along our 200-ish mile course. Unfortunately, some of
them will inevitably get turned, knocked down, or stolen. We will have Ragnar
Staff patrolling the course to maintain signs during the race, but runners
should always carry a phone while running to check the maps in the app.
• Run against traffic: All
runners should run on the left side of the road (against traffic) unless
directed otherwise. Always run on the sidewalk if there is one available.
• Run in same sequence: Runners
should run in the same sequence for each segment of the race. For example, if a
runner runs leg 3 then he/she must also run leg 15 and leg 27. In the event of
an injury, any of the remaining 11 runners can replace the injured runner’s
legs. You are not allowed to bring in a 13th
team member to run the remaining legs. If
you are a mixed team and a woman is injured, at least 18 of the legs must be
run by women.
• Do not shadow runners: Vehicles
are not allowed to follow runners to illuminate the road for them or pace them.
• Running, Pacing &
Participating at Night
1. ALL runners must wear night
gear during the Official Nighttime Hours – reflective vest, headlamp (or
flashlight) and blinking LED taillight.
2. ALL participants must wear
reflective vests during the Official Nighttime Hours if out of the team van
anywhere on the course, including exchanges.
3. Run pacers are allowed at
any time during the race. Bike Pacers are allowed on trails during Ragnar defined
night time hours. Pacers DO NOT have to be a member of the team. Running pacers
can run with the runner but MUST run in single file. Pacers MUST wear the same
night safety gear as the runner (reflective vest, headlamp, and LED).
4. If you choose to have a van
driver, who is not a runner, the driver must also adhere to these safety
guidelines.
• Night Time Skipping during
Night Time Hours Only (Buddy Pass)
1. If you have a runner that
doesn’t want to run a specific Night Time Leg, teams may skip a leg and have
two teammates run together on another leg of their choice. If your team chooses
this option you MUST inform Race Command of which leg is being skipped and why.
2. Your next runner cannot
start on the next leg until the time that it would have taken to run the
skipped leg has elapsed. You will need to calculate your team pace and wait
that amount of time before proceeding on the next leg.
3. Teams who skip legs will be
placed in the *Unofficial Division*. You will still receive medals, but will
not be eligible to officially place in your original division. Your finish time
will not be edited for any reason.
4. Teams must check in with the
volunteers at the restart exchange to ensure their team # is recorded as being
back on the course.
• Lost runners: If you
believe your runner is lost, please text Race Command your team number, the leg
number, and the area you last saw your runner. Include a description of the
runner and any additional information that might help us locate your runner. Once
you’ve notified Race Command, leave your next runner and a teammate with a cell
phone at the exchange and then send out the van to look for your runner. That
way your next runner can start running if the lost runner arrives while the van
is out looking for them. The teammate with a cell phone can then call the van
and let them know they found your runner!
• Supporting your runner: We
encourage each team to spend time out on the course supporting their runner.
When supporting your runner, please find a safe and legal place to park and
wait for your runner to run to you. Do not park on private property. Always use
your crossing flags when crossing the road to support.
While at an Exchange please be
aware of the following:
• Only the “on” vehicle is
allowed at the minor exchanges. Only Van 1 can park at Exchanges 1-5 and
only Van 2 can park at Exchanges 7-11, etc. Both vans can park at Major
Exchanges 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and finish. Van stickers will be distributed
during check in and should be placed on the front and rear windshield so that
your van is easily identifiable to volunteers at each exchange.
• Parking: When you
arrive at an exchange, please obey the parking directions of volunteers. Only
park in designated parking areas and park within the lines. If parking spots do
not have lines, please park as efficiently as possible so that everyone can
fit.
• Vehicle size: If your
vehicle cannot fit in a standard parking spot, it is too big and will not be
allowed at any of the exchanges. Your vehicle should not be longer than 20’.
This includes: motor homes, pulled trailers, buses, or limos.
• Toilets: There will be
portable toilets available for use at every exchange. Remember, if you got to
go, use a toilet!
• Lock up: We hate that
we have to say it, but unfortunately our events are not without theft. Please
make sure you are always locking your vehicle whenever your team gets out at an
exchange. Make sure someone has the keys with them before you lock up and that
the keys don’t run off with the next runner! While it is easy to be trusting of
a sea of people wearing superhero costumes and tutus, we know you are leaving a
lot of valuables in your car and would hate to see them disappear.
LOST AND FOUND
All clothing items,
electronics, wallets, and other personal effects will be collected by staff and
turned in to finish line. Participants can check in at Ragnar HQ to see if
their missing items have been turned in. If your lost item is not at HQ, you
can text Race Command to see if it was turned in somewhere along the course and
when it is expected to arrive at the finish line. You can email
customerservice@ragnarrelay.com to locate your items after the race.
SAFETY
GENERAL SAFETY
• NIGHT TIME HOURS: 7:00 PM
– 6:00 AM
• Orange Crossing Flags: Each
van will receive 2 orange crossing flags during check in. These flags are to be
used whenever a team member who is not the active runner crosses the street.
These flags do not magically stop traffic so please look both ways and always
cross where it is safe and legal to do so. You will return your flag at the
finish line. Any unreturned flags will incur a $15 fee per flag charged to the
Team Captain.
• Three Strike Rule: Race
officials will monitor teams throughout the event to ensure everyone is staying
safe and following the rules. Teams will be notified via text message when a
rule violation occurs. If a team receives 3 violations, they will be
disqualified. Race Officials reserve the right to automatically disqualify a
team for serious infractions.
• Race Command: 661-RAGNAR1
(661-724-6271). Race command is your one stop hotline for anything and
everything you could possible need during a race. Toilets running low on toilet
paper? Let Race Command know! Can’t find the designated sleeping area at a major
exchange? Race Command to the rescue! If you see a team cheating or violating
the rules, please text it in to Race Command immediately. Race Command is a
text only number so please text and do not call.
• Sleep in designated
sleeping areas only: Do not sleep in parking lots or anywhere a car could
accidentally park on top of you. Any teams caught sleeping in parking lots will
receive a violation. Make sure you are sleeping in designated sleeping areas
and not on private property.
• Race Bibs: Please be
sure to fill out the medical information on the back of your bib. Your bib
should always be pinned to the front of your clothing and on the outermost
layer of clothing so that it is always visible to volunteers and staff.
LEG SUPPORT DESIGNATIONS
Each of the 36 legs on the
course are designated one of three ways: Support, No Van Support/No Pulling
Over, and Partial No Van Support.
• Support Legs: Teams can
support their runner anywhere along the leg so long as they find a safe and
legal place to pull over. Teams should not block the runner’s path or park in a
local resident’s driveway while supporting their runner.
• No Van Support/No Pulling
Over: Vans CANNOT pull over or support their runner anywhere along the leg.
Vans should find somewhere off course to wait for their runner or head directly
to the next exchange. All No Van Support legs over 4 miles will have at least 1
water station on the leg. NO VAN SUPPORT/NO PULLING OVER LEGS AT THIS RACE:
Leg 26.
• Partial No Van Support:
Similar to a No Van Support leg, except only a portion of the leg is designated
No Van Support/No Pulling Over and the rest of the leg is full support. Teams
should refer to the leg maps to confirm which section of the leg allows
support. PARTIAL NO VAN SUPPORT LEGS AT THIS RACE: There are no legs with
this designation!
FIRST AID
• First aid stations are located
at the major exchanges (6, 12, 18, 24, and 30) and the finish line. Medics are
equipped to handle minor injuries and heat exhaustion.
• If a runner’s heat exhaustion
is severe enough to require an IV, that runner will be transported to the
nearest hospital and will not be allowed to finish their remaining legs.
• In the event of a medical
emergency (i.e. any life-threatening condition or injury that requires
immediate medical attention) call 911 immediately. Once you have called 911,
notify Race Command via text message so that we can provide your team with
additional assistance.
• The ER closest to each Major
Exchange will be listed in the Ragnar App
Frequently asked questions (abridged)
Q: What is van parking like at
major exchanges? Are friends and family allowed to park and hang out?
A: Unfortunately, our majors
and minors are not able to accommodate additional vehicles for friends and
family. Only the “on” vehicle will be allowed to park at each of the minors and
only 2 vans per team will be allowed to park at the major exchanges. Friends
and family are encouraged to wait until the finish line where there is plenty
of additional parking for them.
Q: How early should we arrive
at Start or Exchange 6?
A: Van 1 should arrive at the
start line at least one hour before their assigned start time and Van 2 should
arrive at Exchange 6 at least one hour before Runner 6 is expected to arrive at
the exchange.
Q: How many teams are in each
start wave?
A: Approximately 10-35 teams
start at each start time.
Q: How many mile markers do you
have on the course?
A: We place a “One Mile to Go”
sign at the one-mile mark before each exchange. We do everything we can to make
sure the sign placement is accurate, but it might vary by a tenth of a mile in
some cases.
Q: What happens if a sign is
lost or stolen?
A: We have staff patrolling the
course replacing lost or stolen signs. If you come across a missing sign,
please text it in to Race Command immediately so that we can get it fixed ASAP.
Always run with your phone so that you do not get lost if a sign is missing or
stolen.
Q: Will there be beer at the
finish line?
A: You bet! Corona will be
available for purchase at the finish line selling beer for $5. A portion of the
proceeds from the beer garden will benefit the HeartStrides so come ready to
party!
Q: Will there be Ragnar gear
available for sale at the race?
A: Yes. Ragnar gear will be
sold at Exchange 6 and at the Finish Line.
Q: Are there showers available?
A: Showers are available at Exchange 12, 22,
and maybe 30.
Q: Are there water stations
along the course?
A: We have water available at
all of the major exchanges and on some of the No Van Support legs. Check the
leg descriptions in the app to see if there are water stations on your legs.
A: Fortunately, our app and all
of the information on it can be pre-loaded. Prior to the race (we recommend
Thursday night before the race to get the most recent information) you can open
the app, click on the race, and click on each page to pre-load the content.
Make sure that each page you plan on using is opened. Leg maps can be further
bookmarked by clicking on the small hart at the top right corner of the leg
map.
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