Adventure run highlights teamwork
by Paul Flies
Reno Gazette-Journal
June 7, 2008

Each of the 99 teams participating in this weekend's Reno-Tahoe Odyssey has many different reasons for entering the 178-mile road race.

For some, it is simply that they enjoy running. Others hope to use the event as a way to push their bodies to the limit. Largely, however, groups see the adventure run as an opportunity to interact with friends and co-workers.

Tim Iveson of the Reno Fire Department is a member of one of those teams. He has run in the race since it debuted in 2005. One of the benefits of participating on a yearly basis is that he's gotten to know newer members of the department on a more personal level.

"I look forward to meeting with new guys who haven't worked in my station," Iveson said. "I assume that in the two-hour periods that we spend together, I will get to know the younger guys."

Teams break the course, which started Friday at Wingfield Park and ends today at Idlewild Park, into segments. Each team member will run a series of legs, and rest in the team's support vehicle when he or she isn't running.

Iveson knows his 12-man team, the Reno Fire Striders, will get to know each other because they're doing everything as a group. Whenever one member of the team is running, the other 11 members will stay awake to offer encouragement. For Iveson, this comes with the territory of performing his job as a fireman.

"We use teamwork to accomplish our goals in the fire industry," he said. "In running, it is no different. In both, if you go out as a team, you will also come back as a team. The main thing is, it is all about camaraderie."

That camaraderie will be on display this weekend — and especially today at the finish line — as co-workers and friends bond over the shared success of completing the 24-hour race.

In addition to the Reno Fire Department, other local businesses have also entered teams in the race. Intuit, Granite Construction, and the Double Diamond Athletic Club all are running this weekend.

Mike Tonner of the Sparks Fire Department is on a team with his co-workers.

"We work in a physical job, so we have to stay in shape year round," Tonner said. "Plus, we have gone on calls that forced us to stay up all night. The only difference this weekend is that we will spend that time running."