There are a lot of great running events in the US, but very few race series like Ragnar Relays. Encouraging runners to team up and run their way a couple hundred miles over a day and half. Their races take runners across some of the most beautiful areas the United States has to offer. But what is Ragnar Race? What type of races do they offer and what do you need to know before you race? Below we’ll break down everything you need to know. Things like the differences between Ragnar Road and Ragnar Trail, team sizes, distances, transportation, what gear you need, and more!
What is Ragnar Race? Everything You Need to Know About Ragnar Relay Race
Ragnar Race is a long distance relay race, with runners competing as a team to complete the predesignated course. The races are in a relay format with only one runner running at a time. And each runner has to complete a specific number of segments, running a minimum distance.
The original Ragnar Relay Race is the road event, featuring teams of 12 with a roughly 200 mile (320km) point to point course. Broken into 36, each runner must complete 3 legs of the race non consecutively. Events often last between 24 – 36 hours. There are multiple types of events including Ragnar Road, Ragnar Trail, and Ragnar Sunset. All of which I will break down below.
Quick Links:
You can check out the 2023 Ragnar Race schedule here.
The Difference Between Ragnar Road and Ragnar Trail
Ragnar Road
Team Size: 12 or 6 (ultra distance)
Distance: “Roughly” 200 Miles
Type: Point to Point
Split: 36 legs, each runner most complete 3 non consecutively
Surface: City streets, country roads, sidewalks, and bike paths.
How it Works: Teams of runners, 12 for a standard team or 6 for an ultra team, will run roughly 200 miles point to point. The course is broken into 36 legs, with each teammate running three separate legs (parts) of the race. Totaling anywhere between 12 to 24 miles(double that for ultra runners) for all three legs combined. Plan on needing a van to follow and support your runners and switch out teammates through this incredible adventure. Putting you in what really does feel like a “true” team distance race. Something very few other races can offer.
What to Bring to Ragnar Relay Road
- Van – You are going to need 1-2 vans to transport and support 12 runners over 200 miles.
- Running Shoes
- Back Up Shoes
- 3 Pairs of Socks – One for each leg
- 3 Pairs of Running Shorts
- 3 Pairs of Running Shirts
- Headlamps
- Backup batteries for headlamp
- Reflective Vest – for night road running
- Rear red flasher for headlamp – for night road running
- Jacket
- Water Bottle / Carrier
- Running Nutrition
- Post Run Nutrition
- Meals for Downtime
- Comfy Clothes – for in between and after race
- Clean up – Toothbrush, wet wipes, all that jazz
- Big Beach Towel – great for wrapping and changing underneath, wiping down after running, and placing over car seats.
- Cooler – For food and cool beverages
- Bag to store all your gear in
Where do you park your car during a ragnar relay?
There are a couple of options when it comes to parking. You can either park your cars at the start of the event and then hopefully carpool in crew cars for the rest of the race. Or the pro tip is to carpool from the beginning, using your crew vans to pick up the team at one or a few coordinated locations then heading to the start of the event.
Ragnar Trail
Team Size: 8 or 4 (ultra distance)
Distance: “Roughly” 120 Miles
Type: 3 Different Distance Loops
Split: 3 Loops, each runner most complete all 3 loop non consecutively
Surface: trail, fire road, and the occasional park paved path.
How it Works: All based from the Ragnar Trail village, where you will camp and enjoy an evening of entertainment while not on the trails running. Each event is set up with three different length loops. Teams of 8 or 4 for the ultra distance, will have each runner complete all three loops one time (two times for the ultra distance) for a total of roughly 15 miles per runner. If you enjoy camping with your friends and trail running, this is the event for you.
Introducing Ragnar Black Loop: If you didn’t get enough trail running the day before. Challenge yourself to 18+ miles and a lot more elevation the next day with the Black Loop. Not available at all events, but worth looking into if you want a little, or a lot more!
What to Bring to Ragnar Trail
Ragnar does offer pre-set-up glamping options. A great choice if you have the money. But below I’ll cover what you need if you don’t want to go the glamping route.
- Pop Up Tent – You can get a tent that goes inside those 10×10 pop up canopies. I highly recommend getting one..
- Running Shoes
- Back Up Shoes
- 3 Pairs of Socks – One for each leg
- 3 Pairs of Running Shorts
- 3 Pairs of Running Shirts
- Headlamps
- Backup batteries for headlamp
- Jacket
- Water Bottle / Carrier
- Running Nutrition
- Post Run Nutrition
- Meals for Downtime
- Comfy Clothes for inbetween and after race
- Clean up – Toothbrush, wet wipes, all that jazz
- Big Beach Towel – great for wiping down, wrapping and changing underneath, and using to sit anywhere while in the party village.
- Cooler – For food and cool beverages
What is Ragnar Sunset?
Team Size: 4
Distance: 4 loops totaling roughly 26 miles total
Type: Loop
Split: Each runner must complete the loop once
Surface: trail, road, and the occasional park paved path.
How it Works: Teams of 4, each complete the loop one at a time in relay format. With the goal of beating the sunset back to the finish for the event party. The newest event offered by Ragnar Race places the emphasis on the party. Enjoy an afternoon of running and the evening of hanging with other runners.
What to Bring to Ragnar Sunset
- Running Shoes
- Socks
- Running Shorts
- Running Shirts
- Jacket
- Water Bottle / Carrier
- Running Nutrition
- Post Run Nutrition
- Comfy Clothes for after race
- Clean up – Toothbrush, wet wipes, all that jazz
- Big Beach Towel – great for wiping down, wrapping and changing underneath, and using to sit anywhere while in the party village.
- Cooler – For food and cool beverages
Where does the “Ragnar” race name come from?
The race is named after the legendary Norse viking hero, and Danish and Swedish King, Ragnar Lodbrock. Whos legacy has been passed down through Norse and viking poetry as well as Icelandic Sagas. Because of this, many runners adopt viking themed team names and costumes for the race. Although I see less and less “viking” homages every year.
Can Your Team Finish Together?
Yes, your entire team can come together a cross the finish line together. So make sure you have your matching team gear for a great finishing photo.
Closing Thoughts
Ragnar Relay Races are some of the most unique running events you are going to find. In a sport dominated by personal goals and achievements. Ragnar encourages us to put together a team and head out on an adventure together. Creating a bonding experience that I can assure you, will stick with you much longer than the event. Lifelong friendships are forged through our toughest times. And team challenges are one of the best ways to push you out of your comfort zone. That’s why I’m a huge fan of these events. So if you’re sitting there asking yourself if you think you should sign up, do it! Buy the ticket, take the ride.