RTO Prep

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RTO Prep - Reno-Tahoe Odyssey

Relay Basics

  • The course is divided into 36 legs. At the end of each leg is a designated runner exchange area, where one runner finishes and the next runner begins.
  • Runners carry a team wristband, which is passed from runner to runner at each exchange point. The wristband serves as your team’s baton.
  • Teams with 12 runners move sequentially through their line-up (1–12) to complete the course. After the first 12 legs, runners repeat the same order for the second and third sets of 12 legs. Each runner completes three legs of the 36-leg course.
  • Each team uses two vehicles, with six runners per vehicle:
    • Van 1 covers Legs 1–6, 13–18, and 25–30
    • Van 2 covers Legs 7–12, 19–24, and 31–36
  • The vans “leapfrog” the course, alternating every six legs until the team finishes.
  • A vehicle exchange point occurs after each group of six legs (Legs 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30). This is where one van completes its rotation and the other van begins running its next set of six legs.
  • A key part of relay strategy is estimating runner pace. Teams must arrive at exchange points before their incoming runner finishes. Likewise, vans must arrive at vehicle exchange points before the next rotation begins. The RTO Team Pace & Exchange Point Worksheet (2026 version coming soon) can help with planning.
  • Each team must supply its own runner support. There are no guaranteed aid stations, so plan accordingly. Leave adequate room in your vehicles for food, hydration, safety gear, and personal supplies. The Checklist tab is a helpful planning tool.

Tips to Having a Great Time During The Relay

  • Designate a detail-oriented, proactive Team Captain.
  • Arrive mentally and physically prepared. Train for the legs you are assigned.
  • Coordinate leg assignments with your Team Captain in advance (no need to submit assignments to race management).
  • Implement a positive, solution-focused mindset — a “No Whining” rule goes a long way.
  • Stay properly hydrated. Carry your own fluids during your leg.
  • Carry a printed map of your leg. Cell service may be unreliable in certain areas.
  • Stretch after each of your legs.
  • Choose leg assignments wisely. “Most Difficult” and “More Challenging” legs should be handled by experienced runners.
  • On steep climbs, consider “power striding” (strong hiking form with arm drive). This ultra-running strategy conserves energy more effectively than trying to run every incline.
  • Plan ahead for overnight strategy:
    • After Legs 7–12, Van 2 may continue to South Lake Tahoe.
    • After Legs 13–18, Van 1 may continue to Carson City.
      Teams sometimes reserve rooms for short rest periods, but faster teams may need to “rough it.” Use the Team Pace Worksheet to gauge available downtime.
  • Arrive early at exchange points to park safely and prepare your next runner.
  • Pack extra gear (dry socks, shirts, weather layers).
  • Build camaraderie with other teams — cheer, encourage, connect.
  • Stay alert and prioritize safety at all times.
  • Take in the experience — the scenery, the night sky, the energy of the course.
  • Finish strong as a team. Both vans will have time to park near the finish area. Gather in a safe location to escort Runner #12 through the final stretch together.
  • Celebrate with a team photo once you cross the finish line!

Checklist of Items You/Your Team Should Have on The Relay Course

Download This Checklist

GENERAL

  • 12 runners/2 vehicles or 6 runners/1 vehicle

SAFETY GEAR

  • Minimum of one reflective vest, one working headlamp and flashing lights for runner’s back per vehicle; best if each runner has their own safety gear
  • Extra batteries for the safety gear
  • One “RUNNER ON ROAD” safety sign per vehicle provided by the RTO; tape to put the sign on the back of the van
  • RTO Runners Handbook for each van (please read ahead of time; it also contains leg maps)

VAN GEAR (coordinate with your captain/van-mates)

  • RTO Runners Handbook for each van (please read ahead of time; it also contains leg maps). YES, THIS IS LISTED TWICE.
  • List of cell phone numbers of each team member, one per vehicle plus emergency contact information
  • Watch or some way to keep track of team’s time on RTO time log (Runners Handbook)
  • Clipboard for RTO time log
  • Pens to track times on RTO time log
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Garbage bags (for your van trash)
  • Cooler/ice
  • Small towels/washcloths and sponges to wet down to cool off hot
  • Runners (pre-frozen washcloths are awesome!)
  • Toilet paper
  • Kleenex
  • Baby wipes
  • Glow sticks
  • Squirt guns
  • Cow bells

FOOD (some teams coordinate with their van-mates)

  • Food supplies such as water, sports drinks, chocolate milk, fruit, bagels, peanut butter, jerky, string cheese and energy bars
  • Refillable water bottle

CLOTHING

  • Running kit for each of your running legs (recommend putting each leg in a large ziplock bag)
    • Running shoes (maybe 2 pairs depending on weather)
    • Shorts, capris, tights
    • Tanks, short-sleeves, long-sleeves
    • Sports bras
    • Socks
    • Running hat/visor
    • Bandana
  • Comfy, dry clothes for downtime (socks, slides/flipflops, hoodie, fleece jacket)
  • Running watch/GPS
  • Sunglasses

ACCESSORIES

  • SEE SAFETY GEAR (take extra)
  • Cell phone and charger (bring extra charging cords)
  • Safety pins for running bibs
  • Running water bottle depending on which leg(s) you are running
  • Pillows and blankets/sleeping bag (depends on your plans for van “downtime”)
  • Cash/credit card
  • Spirit of adventure
  • Good attitude

TOILETRIES

  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Aspirin/ibuprofen
  • Tooth-brush and tooth-paste
  • Bug spray
  • Vaseline or something for chafing
  • Brush, comb, hair ties