Posted: August 24, 2006

Athletics: Inaugural Great River Relay - La Crosse to St. Paul - Hits the River This Weekend

EAGAN, Minn. - (August 21, 2006) - A unique brand of road running will be introduced this weekend: a blend of running and teamwork in the form of the Great River Relay. Starting Friday, August 25th teams of 12 will start running in La Crosse, Wis. on a 207 miles adventure which will finish the next day in St. Paul, Minn. Each team member will run 3 legs of 3 to 8 miles over 24 hours along the world-famous Mississippi River. This first year event has attracted almost 400 participants. When asked about the large first year turn out Race Director Dan Hill said, "We couldn't be more excited. We took a risk to bring this event to Minnesota and Wisconsin in the hopes that its people would embrace it, and it appears they have." The Great River Relay has been brought to this area by Backroad Events. Backroad Events specializes in overnight relay races and is known for the smashing success of the Wasatch Back Relay, an overnight relay race from Logan to Park City, Utah. The Wasatch Back Relay has grown from 260 to 2,200 participants in just three years which makes it the fastest growing overnight relay race in the nation. The Great River Relay is physically demanding, but legs vary in difficulty. Participants can choose what legs they run, so participants range from elite runners to recreational joggers. "We have a diverse group of participants this year," Hill said. "We have a team of Pastors from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a team of women all over 50 and a family team with several first-time runners." When asked what why these overnight relays have become so popular Marketing Director Tanner Bell said, "These events are like slumber parties for adults. You run with 11 other team-mates who experience the same emotions and challenges as you. You run though the night with a flashlight or headlamp and a reflective vest and by the end of the race your 11 team-mates have become 11 best friends." In addition to the running, the Great River Relay will provide a party atmosphere with live music at several exchange points along the course. The Great River Relay benefits Operation Kids, a national children's charity which strives to "serve the needs of the whole child". More information on the Great River Relay is available on its website at: GreatRiverRelay.com.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.

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