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, be sure to follow the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Facebook page. The current RTO will be set up as an event on that page. This is where you can post your information such as your pace, type of team you are looking for, past RTO experience (if any) and anything else that is important to you. Be sure to monitor the event page because Team Captains will post here that they are looking for runners. You can respond to them if you’re interested. If you aren’t on social media, reach out to the Race Director with your information in case he/she hears of a team looking for a runner.
Lots of times, just talking about the RTO gets people excited that have never done it. Be sure to follow the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Facebook page. The RTO will be set up as an event on that page. This is where you can post your team information including what type of team you are – fun, serious, all about the costume – what type of runner you are looking for – certain pace, someone to run specific legs, breathing. Be sure to monitor the event page because runners will post here that they are looking for a team. You can respond to them if you’re interested. If you aren’t on social media, reach out to the Race Director with your information in case he/she hears of a runner looking for a team.
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.
From dusk to sunrise runners are required to wear a lighted vest or a reflective vest with blinking lights and carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp. This is from approximately 7 pm to 7 am. A reflective vest is required for legs 9-16 regardless of time of day due to road conditions. All of these rules apply to anyone who gets out of the vehicle as well. Be sure to follow the safety gear requirements of a reflective/light up vest with a headlamp or some type of a white light on your front side and attach at least one blinking light on your back. The more lights the better!
Runners may take reasonable precautions they want to feel safe when running in the night. Have your van monitor your progress on a regular basis. DO NOT have your van drive to the end of the leg and wait for you there. Someone else may accompany you while you run. Carry whatever you like for protection. But no bike escorts. Be sure to follow the safety gear requirements of a reflective/light up vest with a headlamp or some type of a white light on your front side and attach at least one blinking light on your back. The more lights the better!
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.
Team Captains can remove or invite someone to the team via the “Manage My Team” function here. The Captain needs their Team Code (on the registration receipt) and email address.
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 18 and 24 and in Virginia City where Exchange Point 30 is located.
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.
