187-Mile Relay Race is a Hit with Washingtonians

SEATTLE, WA | July 15, 2007 - On July 27th and 28th the roads of northern Washington will come alive with painted vans, costumed runners, and cheering spectators. Everyday-citizens will experience what Washington runners have been talking about for the last six months, the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage presented by NordicTrack. This intense 187-mile, 12-team mate, 24-hour relay race from Blaine to Langley, WA will push runners through beautiful towns and over stunning islands as they rock out to live bands, enjoy wacky participant costumes, and make life-long friends with team mates and competitors.

Don’t be fooled by the distance of the course; however, because the Northwest Passage is not just for hardcore runners. In fact, with team names like “Greased Molasses” and “I Thought This Was A 5K”, most participants are just out to have a wild time.

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 awards are for the “Best Team Costume”, “Best Decorated Van”, “Best Team Name”, and “Overall Favorite Team”.

The Northwest Passage is part of the Ragnar Relay Series, the nation’s largest series of overnight relay races. Thanks to Ragnar’s reputation for professionalism and flawless course logistics, not to mention its status as the premier provider of unforgettable relay adventures, the Northwest Passage has experienced impressive growth in its first year. With over 900 participants the Northwest Passage is one of the largest first year overnight relay races ever.

“And it wont stop there”, says Co-Founder and Director of Race Development Tanner Bell. “Nine-Hundred participants may not seem like an especially large number, but consider that the Ragnar Relay Series has a proven track record of growth. Each of our races has at least tripled in size from its first to second year.”

Bell expects that the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage will grow into a 5000 person event in 3 years. It may seem like a tall order, but Ragnar Relays across the nation are growing at an explosive rate.

“The Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage is like no other running event in Washington,” says Co-Founder and 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 Washington 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 Ragnar Relay course passes through the charming towns of Bellingham, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and La Conner. From there it crosses over Padilla Bay onto Fidalgo Island and winds through the quaint island town of Anacortes. It continues over Deception Pass Bridge and follows Highway 20 as it meanders through Whidbey Island and finishes in the small town of Langley on the southern tip of Whidbey Island.

All are invited to come and join the finish line party at South Whidbey Intermediate School in Langley, WA. The party will include vendor booths, food, and music. Runners will be crossing the finish line from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information visit www.ragnarrelay.com.