No one likes rules. However, we want everyone to have an exhilarating and safe experience. To accomplish this we have provided some guidelines and a few rules to make sure it is possible. Basically "it is what it is".
How it works:We get to be kids again and play van leapfrog.For a team of 12 you will likely be divided into two vehicles that you provide. Clearly larger vans (12 – 15 passenger) will offer more comfort, while mini-vans will be easier on your wallet and get the job done in family style. Usually the entire team (both vans) will head to the starting line to watch their first runner begin leg #1.The remaining five runners drive ahead to exchange #1, drop off runner #2 and wait until runner #1 finishes. When runner #1 finishes, she passes a wristband (aka the proverbial baton) to runner #2 and then climbs into the van. The five runners drive now to exchange #2 to pick up runner #2 and drop off runner #3.
Lather, rinse and repeat this process until you reach exchange #6 where runner #6 hands off to runner #7 in van #2. Leap frog in action!The same rotating process continues in van #2 until runner # 12 passes the wristband back to runner #1 again in van # 1.
Race Numbers:Race numbers must be worn by every runner while he is on the course.Race numbers will be provided to your team in the race packet.
Wrist Bands: A Team Wrist Band must be worn at all times throughout the race by the active runner on the course.
Conduct: HAVE FUN! But, remember the golden rule - treat everyone like you would like to be treated - and remember you are running through people’s towns, sometimes in the middle of the night, so enjoy the out of body experience, but always act in a manner in which you can be proud.
Exchange Zones: We have toiled hard to find safe, large and easy to navigate exchange zones. However, some exchange zones are a little smaller than others. To that end, please be sensitive where you park, stop and slow down to ensure safety for the runners (first and foremost) and to not block other vans entering or leaving the exchange zone.
Some exchange zones will not have a parking lot so please park off the road well beyond the runner exchange zone. Remember crossing the street when going to school, look left, look right, and look left again before entering back onto the road.
Vans following Runners: Please use extreme caution when finding a safe place to stop to provide water or aid to an active runner. As well intentioned as your van-mates are it can cause traffic problems for other teams and those just using the road to get from one place to another. Therefore, please move from one exchange to another without stopping as often as possible.
Race Officials: At every exchange zone we will have race officials. We greatly appreciate you treating them with respect. These officials are volunteers and without them this relay would not be possible. They have the authority to disqualify a team for any team violation or abusive behavior. Please understand that their judgment and decisions are considered final.
Drinking and Driving:This should be a no brainer, but ANY consumption of alcohol during the course of this event will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification of the team if witnessed by any race official.We promise that James Island will provide ample opportunities for a party when the relay is done. Your safety, and the safety of all the participants, is our #1 priority and should be yours too.
Safety Gear: Runners must wear a reflective vest, two flashing lights (one on the front and one on the back) and a headlamp (or carry a flashlight) between the hours of 7:00 pm – 7:00 am. Runners must wear reflective vests or bright shirts (approved colors will be released before event) during day legs - 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
iPods: iPods are not allowed on the course during night legs - 7:00 pm - 7:00 am. Runners are allowed to listen to iPods during the day legs.
Rotation of Runners: Your team is allowed to run in any sequence your teams feels can provide the fastest and most enjoyable experience. That said, every runner must run at least once AND a runner rotation MUST occur at EVERY exchange.
Support Vehicles:Each team will only be permitted two support vans on the course.The course has been chosen very carefully for your enjoyment and safety, however many exchange zones will not accommodate extra vehicles.Each support vehicle will be given two dashboard signs that must be displayed at all times.
Disqualification: We take all of the relay rules and regulations very seriously. In the unlikely event that any rules are broken or abusive behavior is displayed to anyone (a runner, a volunteer, a passerby, anyone) the team will be disqualified.
Have Fun:Now that we have covered all rules we must stress for your team to HAVE FUN! As we promise, it will be a memorable event and you will feel euphoric long after the relay is done.
