189-Mile Relay Race is a Hit with Arizonans

Phoenix, AZ | March 21, 2007 - On March 30th and 31st the roads of Arizona will be alive with painted vans, costumed runners, and cheering spectators. Everyday-citizens will experience what Arizona runners have been talking about for the last year, the Ragnar Relay Del Sol presented by NordicTrack. This intense 189-mile, 12-team mate, 24-hour relay race from Wickenburg to Scottsdale, AZ will push runners through saguaro cactus and red rock cliffs as they rock out to live bands, enjoy wacky participant costumes, and make live long friends with team mates and competitors.

Don’t be fooled by the distance of the course; however, because the Del Sol is not just for the most intense runners. In fact, with team names like “Running Out of Cartilage” and “Knights of the Buffet Table”, most participants are just out to have a wild time.

The Del Sol is part of the Ragnar Relay Series, the nation’s largest series of overnight relay races. Due to the reputation of the Ragnar Relay Series, the Del Sol has experienced impressive growth in its first year. With over 1000 participants the Del Sol is the largest first year Ragnar Relay ever.

“The Ragnar Relay Del Sol is like no other running event is Arizona,” says race director Dan Hill. “It provides runners with the opportunity to run as a team and accomplish something they never could have done on their own. No running event in Arizona offers such a unique combination of athletic achievement and social enjoyment. What it comes down to is teamwork, and for many, the very idea is irresistible.”

Stretching the length of nearly six and a half marathons, the Del Sol course passes through the towns of Morristown, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Fountain Hills. It continues past Saguaro Lake and follows the Bush Highway until it reaches Mesa. It continues through Mesa and into Tempe and finishes at Eldorado Park in Scottsdale.

Of course, it’s a lot of ground to cover. Teams of 12 runners each race day and night, competing for 24 straight hours. Each team member runs three legs that vary in length from three to eight miles per leg. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, but the most coveted prizes are the “Tricked Out Van” award and “Best Team Costume” award.

Anyone is welcome to come and join the finish line party at Eldorado Park in Scottsdale. The party will include vendor booths, food, and music. Runners will be crossing the finish line from 12:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information visit www.ragnarrelay.com.