Race Detail
Race Schedule
Coming Soon!
The Runner's Handbook
Your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, Capital Odyssey, and Comstock Odyssey Relays.
The Runner’s Handbook contains all event logistics and essential information, including:
- Course maps and detailed leg maps link
- Race guidelines and official rules
- Team meetings and key dates
- Start and finish details
- Safety requirements
- Exchange point information
- And much more
If you have a question, the answer is almost certainly in the Handbook.
Because of the dynamic nature of these relay events, updates are made regularly. Please check back periodically and download the most current version to ensure you have the latest information.
Pro tip: Make sure your entire team (captains, runners, and van drivers) reviews the Handbook. Preparation makes for a smooth, unforgettable RTO experience.
*Revised: 1/2/2026
Divisions & Categories
Each team must sign up for one division and one category, e.g. Open Mens.
Divisions:
- Open – all runners must be 16 or older (Captains can email matt@renorunningcompany.com to have younger runners approved.)
- Masters – all runners must be 40 or older
- Seniors – all runners must be 50 or older
- Corporate – all runners must be employed by the same company
- Club – all runners must be members of the same club, whether it be a running club, triathletes club, recreation/social club, adventure travel club or some other type of club
Categories:
- Mens – seven or more men
- Mixed – six to eleven women
- Womens – 12 women
Prizes are awarded to the top team in each division and category. To be eligible for division winning prizes, runners must stay in order, e.g. the runner who runs leg no. 1 must also run leg nos. 13 and 25.
Ultra Divisions:
- Mens – more men than women, typically 4 or more men or 3 men and 2 women;
- Mixed – equal number women and men, typically 3 women and 3 men
- Womens – all women.
There is no requirement to run in a particular order. Some teams rotate every leg, some rotate every two legs, others run the 1st and 4th legs and so forth.
Prizes are awarded to the top team in each division.
Key Deadlines for Teams:
- April 1, 2026: Shirt size guarantee and last time to change team name.
- April 15, 2026: Team volunteers either must be registered for a shift or the volunteer fee must be paid. If requirements are not met by this deadline, there will be an additional $150 penalty for the team ($75 for an ultra team). See requirements below.
- May 15, 2026: Online registration will be closed. After this date, any runner changes need to be sent to naomi@renorunningcompany.com with a signed waiver brought to Team Check-in.
Captain's Swag:
We will continue our tradition of providing each captain with something special. Each captain will receive an official RTO captain’s pilsner glass along with a ticket for a complimentary lunch at the Finish Line Festival.
What Everyone Receives for Participation:
- A relay adventure over a 178 mile spectacular course unlike any other passing through two states and touring the scenic, historic and fun filled Reno-Lake Tahoe region, packed with cool places and sights to see including Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Carson City, Virginia City, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the high desert of Northern Nevada.
- High quality technical race shirt
- RTO Logo race bag
- The famous RTO 178 decals sticker – you earned it!
- More decals for the runners who run the epic legs of the RTO course (do you know which ones those are?)
- Finisher’s medal
- Lots of quality swag for you to purchase at our store.
- Lively start ceremony with music and introductions.
- Finish Line Festival with delicious food and cold brews for sale along with music and a variety of vendors. This is a very lively scene where runners hang out and swap stories about the adventures that they just experienced and the accomplishment that they just achieved!
- A complimentary beer for every runner at the finish line party.
Hundreds of other enthusiastic runners with creative team names and shirts shuttling about in decorated vans to share the experience with you and add to your memories, along with many spirited and long-time volunteers along the course. - Free photos.
- The opportunity to win the many fun contests: Best Team Name, Best Team Shirt, Best Team Costume, and Most Spirited Team.
- Your Leg 4 runner will compete in the epic Donner’s Downfall Leg 4 Time Trial. Fastest man and fastest woman will win a great prize. So will the runner who gets 178th place.
Time and Pace Maximums:
The maximum time to complete the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey is 33 hours. If your team will need this much time, we will be starting you at 6:30 a.m. Friday, the earliest start time. All teams must be finished by 4 p.m. the next day. Your team must average an 11 minute per mile pace for the entire event. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RTO IS NOT A WALK RELAY. If you are concerned that your team will not be able to complete the course in the allotted time, then please sign up for the Capital Odyssey Relay or the Comstock Odyssey Relay.