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June 28, 2012

7 Tips for Running an Overnight Relay Race

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Better late than never, right? I’m back in DC and off to my internship today; I’ll share my recap of my last day of vacation adventures next, but wanted to share this post today because it’s already written and I’m running late. 🙂 Obviously I’ve only done one relay race (Reach the Beach relay — recaps can be found on my race recap page) so I’m hardly an expert and don’t claim to be (and we had drivers for the race, making logistics way easier on us), but I thought it would be fun to share some tips I found the most helpful during our race. Enjoy!

IMG_2104

1) Be prepared to use a LOT of porta potties. Bring your own toilet paper just in case!

2) Baby wipes are a lifesaver — immediately after each leg you run, wipe yourself down and change into dry clothes (e.g. your next running outfit).

RTBMA12-8986

Photo credit: Jack at pixelwiremedia.com / rtbrelay.com

3) Keep all the bibs and the safety gear in one place so you can find it easily — we had it all in a bag in the front of the car.

IMG_2078

safety gear

4) Pack each of your three running outfits in ziplock bags. When you are done with one leg, put your dirty clothes back into the ziplock. Yay — no van stink!

IMG_2012

5) Make a pace chart so you can keep track of when the runners will come in! This was our awesome driver, Monica’s, idea, and it proved to be extremely helpful. She kept it updated as we went, using her phone to add actual finish times and adjust that based on when people would be coming in.

pace_chart

6) Pack some Imodium. 🙂 Sitting in a van, not sleeping much, and eating at weird times doesn’t really do great things to your stomach.

And last but not least…

7) Bring a banana costume.

banana suit

It’s really hard to be tired when you have a dancing banana with you.

Above all, just have FUN and go with the flow. Everything is chaotic, but in a good way — just embrace it!

—

Any of you who have done overnight relay races yourself have any tips to add? What is one thing you’d like to pass on to someone thinking of doing a relay?

- anne
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20 comments
  • mizfit
    June 28, 2012 · 7:46AM:
    Those are all my tips for being a MOM too!! Seriously. Frighteningly close...
    Reply
    • Renie June 28, 2012 · 8:20AM:
      You are so right misfit. Our van looks like that all the time with grandkids and 1 on the way.
      Reply
      • Renie June 28, 2012 · 8:20AM:
        8 grandkids
        Reply
    • Anne P
      June 28, 2012 · 6:14PM:
      Hahah! I hope you mean the banana costume, too... :)
      Reply
  • AmyC
    June 28, 2012 · 8:25AM:
    Thanks for the tips. I'm running RTB NH in the fall for the first time. I'm definitely going to use the baggie method!
    Reply
  • Heather @ Better With Veggies
    June 28, 2012 · 12:57PM:
    Love that banana costume!! I would love to do one of these relay races at some point, it looks like so much fun!!
    Reply
  • Tina @ Best Body Fitness
    June 28, 2012 · 1:39PM:
    I so badly want to do an overnight relay race someday. They look like so much fun! The tips on baby wipes and ziplocks for each running outfit are genius. I would have never thought of that.
    Reply
  • Jamie @ couchtoironwoman
    June 28, 2012 · 1:46PM:
    Great tips! My husband and I have done a relay but it wasn't overnight. We are doing Reach the Beach in New Jersey in October though so that should be fun!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      June 28, 2012 · 6:14PM:
      Have fun! I want to do that but it's our wedding weekend! :)
      Reply
  • Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
    June 28, 2012 · 2:07PM:
    haha love the banana! and that is one packed car!
    Reply
  • Allison @ Running Through Red Lights
    June 28, 2012 · 3:27PM:
    Thanks for sharing these! I'm DYING to do an overnight relay, and I'm really hoping I can get a team together for Ragnar Chicago next year. I've been saving everyone's RTB posts and a few other blog posts about relays in hopes of being super-prepared!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      June 28, 2012 · 6:14PM:
      You should definitely do one!
      Reply
  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See
    June 28, 2012 · 5:32PM:
    Definitely putting an overnight relay on my bucket list! Looks like such a blast :)
    Reply
  • Steph June 28, 2012 · 5:41PM:
    Hi Anne, I love reading your blog! This post was great. I did RTB MA this year too. I think your tips are great! Having a driver is a huge help, having the spread sheet is a must, and I ALWAYS bring baby wipes and extra tp to the porta potties.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      June 28, 2012 · 6:13PM:
      Aw thanks, Steph!
      Reply
  • Krissy @ Make it Naked
    June 28, 2012 · 8:52PM:
    I LOVED this race! I tell people ALL the time it was my favorite race ever. SO fun. Great tips! #1 is key.
    Reply
  • Adventurer June 28, 2012 · 9:13PM:
    Love it! Great tips. THx -
    Reply
  • Kelly @ My love affair with running
    June 29, 2012 · 1:58AM:
    Great tips!!
    Reply
  • Agness of Fit Travelling
    August 6, 2017 · 11:37AM:
    Excellent tips, Anne! Do you have any tips I should consider before attending this race?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2017 · 1:38PM:
      Just the ones here! :)
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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