Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure May 31-June 1

The one of a kind relay race from Reno to Tahoe and back is set to kick off tomorrow May 31 at Wingfield park in Reno.

While this isn’t my idea of a fun time, it is truly a spectacle. The race starts early on Friday and teams run through the night to complete the course.

It’s a 178 mile loop around the Reno-Tahoe area that starts along the riverwalk in downtown Reno, winds up the mountains through Truckee, around the West Shore, South Lake, down the mountains to Carson City, Virginia City, and back to Reno.

The relay is ideally suited for a 12 person team, but is also set up for an ultra six person team. Start times are staggered between 7am and 4pm on Friday. Expected slower teams start earlier while the faster ones start later.

This isn’t your typical relay race not only in terms of the course, but who the winners are. Of course it’s competitive and everyone wants to do their best, but the race officials have one demand: have fun.

Prizes are awarded to the best team name, most spirited team, the best custom outfits, and best decorated team vehicle. There’s also the coveted “Most Spirited Exchange” that the competitors vote on at the end.

They encourage competitors and volunteers to throw their own themed parties at each exchange point on the course.

“This contest between exchange points adds to the fun experience that runners enjoy when they participate in the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey,” says their website, “Our goal is not to be the biggest relay in the world. Rather we want to create an amazing experience, something that you will want to do again and again and again.”