RELAY 101

(You will find the registration fee somewhere in this section. But we still want you to read all of this.)

 

1. WHAT IS A "LONG DISTANCE TEAM RELAY RACE?"

 

A relay road race is a team-oriented event. Each team consists of either ten runners and two vehicles (the vast majority of the teams) or five runners and one vehicle (Ultra teams).

One thing to be very aware of is the course of long distance relays are NOT CLOSED. Runners run along shoulders of roads and both runners and their vans must follow traffic laws.

Teams are self-supporting. Each 10-person team supplies two vehicles, an Active Van and a Resting Van. The active van is the vehicle that carries the runners who are currently running the course; the resting van carries the runners who are eating and/or resting before it is their turn. The active van prepositions itself at a predetermined point called an Exchange to drop off the next runner and pick up the current runner. Ultra teams supply one van which is always active.

As a runner finishes their leg, they hand off the baton to the next runner at the Exchange Point. The active van then drives on to the next exchange to wait for the runner to arrive.

Every fifth exchange is designated as a Van Exchange. This is where the active van and resting van change roles as runners in the first van have finished their five legs and the next van of runners begin theirs. During the late night/early morning hours, the resting van will preposition themselves at the next Van Exchange. During this “down” time, runners will throw out sleeping bags to try to get a bit of sleep before it is their turn to run again.

Teams need to stock their vans with water, food, sports drinks, and first aid kits. There are no aid stations at the exchanges.

Teams, depending on their pace, will be out on the course anywhere from 20 to 34 hours. Teams start in waves every 30 minutes with the slower teams starting in the morning and the elite teams starting last.

 

2. What are the 2010 dates?

 

June 12 -13, 2010.  This is a Saturday to Sunday event. Monday is a holiday.

     

3. What are the starting times?

 

The race start times begin at 6:30am (tentative)  Saturday at Subic Bay (exact location to be announced) and continue in waves every 30 minutes throughout the day. Each wave has 5 to 10 teams.

 

4. Where does the race Start?

 

Subic Bay (exact location to be announced) pls check back soon.

     

5. Where does the race end?

 

The finish line for the race will be in the  same location as the starting point.

 

6. What is the distance?

 

The race spans about 250 kilometers, from Subic Bay to Zambales and back to Subic Bay to Mt. Samat, Bataan and back to Subic bay.

 

7. How many Legs are there?

 

The race consists of thirty (30) Legs. Each runner is required to complete three (3) of the 30.

     

8. How long is each Leg?

Each Leg ranges in distance from 4 to 12 Km. Legs vary in difficulty, from easy to very hard, due to the terrain. Each runner is required to run the same sequence throughout the race. Example: runner 1 runs leg 1, leg 11 and leg 21. Any other method of breaking up the course will result in disqualification.

 

9. What happens if a runner cannot continue?

 

Another runner from the team can take over. But the runner that did not continue or finishes cannot go back to the race again. The runner that took over for the disqualified runner must run all the remaining legs of the discontinued runner. See Race Bible for more details.

 

10. How many members are on each Team?

 

Each running team consists of 10 runners.  There is an ultramarathon category where runners are limited to 5. Each runner runs 2 consecutive legs.

     

11. What are the different team categories?

 

Corporate (must be employed in the same company), All Men, All Women, Co-ed (5 male and 5 female), Mixed (6 or more women), Masters (over 40), and Ultramarathon. There will be no subcategories for Masters and Ultramarathon this year. This means these teams could be a co-ed, mixed, all men or all women team.

 

12. How many teams are there?

 

Teams will be limited to 100 for the 2010 race.

 

13. Do both team vans need to be at the Start?

 

Only Van #1 needs to be at the Start.  Van #2 can meet up with Van #1 at Exchange 6.

       

14. Who is eligible to run?

 

Anyone! Each race allows for a diversity of participants, from serious runners/walkers to casual teams out simply to enjoy the wild adventure!

 

15. Where can I find a team, find runners for my team, and share/get advice?

If you don’t know 9 runners don’t worry.  You probably know 3 or 4 and they probably know 3 or 4. Teams made up this way (with friends of friends) are often some of the most  fun and by the end of the race you’ll have 9 great friends!

 

16. Can I volunteer for race day?

 

Yes! The success of the race is dependent upon its volunteers. Pls contact Extribe at  (eric@extribe.com.ph) for volunteer information.

 

17. Once registered how do I change our team name, add teammates, register volunteers or update pace times?

To be discussed.

 

18. Are there any other activities before or after the race?

 

Yes!  Entertainment and activities will be going strong at this  beach party.  Included in the festivities are vendor booths & freebies, live music on stage, as well as raffles, recognition and awards ceremonies.  Come join us!

       

19. Are there available water stations?

This is a self sustaining race – an adventure running race. Your buddies should be able to hydrate and feed you with your favorite drink/ food that would help you finish your race.  There is no guarantee of water stations. 

 

20. Are there toilets in the race?

 

There will be limited portalets or toilets in each exchange stop. You can also use the restaurants, resorts, gas stations, etc.. along the way.

 

21. What if it rains during the race?

 

The party / race will go on unless the race director cancels it.

 

22. Is there a time limit for completing the total distance?

 

Yes. You will need to complete the entire relay in about 40 hours, which comes out to approximately 9 ½ minutes per kilometer.

 

23. How does the whole night time running thing work?

 

Runners will almost all have to run one leg at night. Night time running requires a headlamp or flashlight and a reflective vest. We also strongly suggest that runners carry cell phones during night time runs. It will be dark from about 6:30pm until about 5:30am, so lights and vests will be required from 6pm until 6am. Runners without these 2 will result in disqualification of their teams. Your teammate on a bike can pace your runner. Vehicles are still not allowed to pace.

 

 

24. Do runners supply their own vans?

 

Yes, and you should also supply a deodorizer to hang from the rearview mirror. Personally, I'd tell someone else on your team that your van is having "mechanical problems" and that you need to take theirs. Or... RENT! Seriously, for just a minute---vans are the preferred method of travel. SUVs are okay too. Really large SUVs and really large vans--you know 15 seaters--will clog up the transition areas and make it tough for everyone so please leave them home. Buses and coasters are not permissible and will not be allowed in the transition areas.

 

25. Are all the legs roughly the same distance and difficulty?

 

No. Every group has a glutton for punishment and every group has a more sane, okay slightly wimpier, runner. The legs vary in distance from a bit over 4 to 12km. We have marked them as easy, medium, hard and very hard. The chart on the Race Bible lays out the legs by distance and difficulty.

 

26. What if a runner gets lost along the way?

 

We've put together precise turn by turn directions and we'll mark the course and there are maps. Still, it could happen. If you have concerns about this, think about taking the legs with the fewest turns, and also think about taking your cell phone with you when you run. In the event you get lost and you have your phone, you should be able to figure out how to get found! In any event, try to retrace your steps as best you can and see where you went off course. You shouldn't be off by that much. The rules don't permit you to accept a ride back to the course (will be disqualified), so even if you have nice teammates who come out and find you, try not to take a ride back, just let them guide you back.

 

27. Are there food stores and gas stations along the way?

 

For the most part, yes. We do run through some fairly remote areas that won't have much in the way of services. That being said, you should be able to get some food and gas in a pretty reasonable fashion. We still suggest that you carry enough food and drink replenishment with you, however.

 

28. Do teams have to consist of 10 team members?

 

We think it's more fun that way, but no, you don't. You can run it with any amount up to 10 that you want, though it's easier if the number divides evenly into 30.

 

29. What do you do to make this race as safe as possible?

 

I'm glad you asked! First, and foremost, we've designed the course to minimize the usage of high speed roads as much as possible. Not only is it a safety issue -- who wants to run on the shoulder of a busy road?!  We will take great care to point out any congested areas in advance. We will require all of the usual night time accoutrements such as head lamps or flashlights and flashing vests. However, at the end of the day, you need to take a very strong and aggressive position on your own to assure your own safety. Don't dodge into intersections, don't play chicken with vehicles, don’t run with headphones, etc…

We also run on an entirely permitted course.  Some races view permits as a pain to be avoided.  We agree that they are a pain, but we work with the authorities in every jurisdiction to assure we have their permission to run on the course.  That way we know about possible problems and we have their help and cooperation should any issues arise.  To try to run a race like this without a fully permitted course would be irresponsible.

 

30. Is there a special way to train for a relay?

 

Yes. Get in a van with four other smelly people, crank up the radio and drive around for about 24 hours and then you should be ready! As for the running part, from our experience, you need to be in better shape than the typical 5K racer, but not in as good shape as a marathoner.  We've occasionally trained by running one morning and then running again that evening and the next morning.  It's a rough simulation, but it works.

 

31.  How much is the registration fee? Damn it, we’ve been asking for this for a month.

 

The registration fee is P12,000 per team or  P1200.- per head. 

 

32.  That’s too expensive. Are you kidding me?

 

Why don’t you stage a race with 29 stops across 40 hours (not including prep time and post race) and charge P200.-!!  Seriously, this is a very expensive race to organize. The logistics alone is a nightmare. A 70.3 miles triathlon registration fee is in the P5000 range - each!  And this is for 2 stops  + 1 including the finish line. 

There will be a bunch of freebies and an after party buffet at the finish line. We encourage you to stay for the night.

 Tip: You are welcome to ask for sponsorships from other companies to fund your team.

 

32. I still have questions, how can I find answers?

 

Two ways. First, email eric@extribe.com.ph . If I think the question has been answered on the site, I reserve the right to yell at you! Second, there will be a very detailed "race bible" sent to every team captain or downloadable from this site.

 

As I just said, if you have any questions that weren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to send an email.