How to Run a Relay

Because I’ve never run a relay before, and because I am a WEE BIT neurotic, I am starting to worry about the how-to’s of running as a relay team. What time should I arrive? Where do I go? Where do my team mates go? What happens after my leg is over? What do I do to pass the time while I’m waiting for my team? How do I get my medal?

Before I could make myself crazy, I had a meeting with Jim Chaney, Race Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon, and I made him crazy instead. I have the answers I need, and now I’m going to explain the details to you, Dear Runner, using my own relay team, Beast Mode 5. Does our name frighten you? No?!

The relay covers the whole marathon course, and it’s divided into five legs. Runners will pass a slap bracelet, which has an embedded timing chip, at each exchange. That sounds very James Bond-ish, doesn’t it?

I am Leg #1, 10k or 6.2 miles:

All team runners should be at the start of the race (specifically to cheer for me, of course). The roads will be closed, and the last shuttle will leave Belden Village Mall at around 6:30 am, so all runners must be present at the beginning. When the gun goes off, so do I, and I plan to run my little heart out until I get to the first exchange, 6.2 miles later. When the race starts, the other team members can get into position; of course, some will have more time than others. Runner #2 will need to take a shuttle to the first exchange.

Want to know about the rest? Want to see pictures of my team, Beast Mode 5? Click here to read the full post.

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