We suggest you train like you would for a half marathon since the total miles for your 3 legs will be close to the total of a half marathon. Throw in some days that you run twice and even a few where you run three times. Be sure to include some night runs so you know what it’s like and you can test your night running gear (headlamp, flashing lights on back, reflective vest at the very least). If you live in the area, go run your legs and/or attend the official Practice Runs held on some of the iconic legs.
If you don’t have a team, try our new tool with instructions below. You can also follow the current RTO race event on the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Facebook page in case any Team Captains are using that to help find runners as well. Many people aren’t on social media or FB in general so we recommend the first option. As a final option, reach out to the Race Director with your information in case he/she hears of a team looking for a runner. We recommend using all of your resources. Most runners have no problem finding a team.
- Go to this link, click “Register” and create an account:
- Click on the appropriate General Category you need – Looking for a Team or Looking for a Runner
- Click “New Topic” and in the Subject Line enter something such as your first name followed by looking for a [fill in blank].
- In the message section, enter the recommended information about yourself or your team
- Click on “Notify Me of Replies”.
- Click on “Post”
- Check back periodically to check your post and/or to look at the other General Category to see if there is a team or runner you are interested in.
Nope! You are just paying and making sure your team has a spot in the race before it sells out. As you start to recruit runners, have them register as you will want to try and have your full team registered by 4/1 to ensure they get a race shirt. The sooner, the better.
If possible, team members should be communicating among themselves because some share the responsibility of bringing certain items. You definitely will need to plan for your own running needs, possibly food and safety. See the Checklist and ask your Team Captain questions. Ask your teammates who have RTO experience. Watch the Relay 101 provided by us.
If your estimated pace time changes, please notify your Team Captain asap. He/She will need to be aware of it in case it impacts the team’s overall pace and estimated total time in which case the Race Director needs to be notified as soon as possible to adjust the team’s start time.
Yes. Who is assigned what legs is a team decision. Each team has different strategies to assign legs. Communicate with your Team Captain to find out how it’s done on your team and to let your team know if you prefer certain legs. Check out the ratings of each set of legs here.
The fastest team takes about 17 hours. Most teams take between 26 and 30 hours. 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 7 a.m. Friday, the earliest start time. All teams must be finished by 4 p.m. the next day. The pace limit is 11 minutes per mile. So your team must average an 11 minute per mile pace for the entire event. Please be aware that the RTO is not a walk relay. If you are concerned that your team will not be able to complete the course in 33 hours running an average of an 11 minute per mile pace for the entire event, then please sign up for the Capital Odyssey Relay or the Comstock Odyssey Relay.
Prices can be found here. The earlier your team registers, the less expensive it is. Other costs associated with participating in the event such as van rental, gas, lodging and food should be addressed by your Team Captain. Please clarify the costs of participating with your Team Captain. The RTO does not get involved with individual runner payments/costs.
No, you don’t but all Team Captains should be aware of the time limit on the RTO as they assemble their team. Most teams have a mix of fast and not so fast runners. You definitely need to train for this relay or you likely won’t have much fun. Please be aware that the RTO is not a walk relay.
We will publish the times when exchange points are closed so you know where you stand. We have a number of measures that we will take to move your team along the course. We may have your team skip legs. We may have your runners double up on certain legs. We may start your second van before your first van reaches a certain van exchange point.
At times you might need to walk. We encourage power striding up steep hills, however the RTO is not a walk relay.
See what you get here.
Van/vehicle size on the course can’t be longer than 20 feet for various reasons. However, you may park bigger RVs in the parking lot of Exchange Point 24.
If your team is competing to win a division, there are clear guidelines in the Runners Handbook to replace injured runners. If you are not a competitive team, other runners on your team may run your legs for you. Runners who have not officially registered for the race may not replace you.