We want to make sure that runners considering our relay are aware of what they are in for when they run our race. We don’t want to find out during the finish line party that the race wasn’t what you wanted to run at all, so to make sure that the Wild Rogue Relay isn’t a mismatch for you, we’ve prepared our top ten reasons why you don’t want to run the Wild Rogue Relay. Enjoy!

1. You hate beautiful beaches.
If a stunning coastline is not your thing, you are not going to enjoy the Wild Rogue Relay. The last six legs run south along the coastline from Gold Beach to Brookings, a route so scenic that numerous commercials have been filmed here. The runner on leg 35 will have the unique thrill of running a coastal trail that will leave her breathless with the beauty of the hidden coast as well as the challenge of sand dunes and hobbit-like trails. If you prefer busy commercial streets for your running relays, this isn’t the race for you.

 

Along Leg 32…what’s a relay to the coast if you don’t actually run on the sand a bit?

Along Leg #33, where the runners dip onto a trail for about a half mile.

Arch Rock is a wayside along the course. You know, if you like this sort of thing.

2. You are not fond of wild and scenic rivers.
We don’t call it the Wild Rogue Relay for nothing. The course traces the river from Merlin to Gold Beach, taking a detour through the mountains where the roads don’t follow the river. You’ll also spend time along the Applegate, Illinois, and Coquille Rivers along the way, and we finish right near the mouth of the Chetco. If you are not a fan of rivers, you’re going to be on sensory overload.

Exchange #14 at Galice.

Exchange #13 on the Rogue.

The Rogue River along Leg 29.

3. You prefer a relay where you sit in traffic.
If your idea of fun is a mega-relay where half of the adventure is sprinting out of the van, along a line of traffic up to a mile long, just to make the exchange, then we are not a good fit for you. Our field is small (usually between 80-100 teams) which means there is plenty of parking at the exchanges and you have more than enough time to stop the van, support your runner, and dance to your heart’s content or throw up a toilet paper finish line. Heck, that even means that you’ll have toilet paper in the porta-potties, even if you are at the back of the pack…

Traffic backup coming into the major exchange at Red Lily.

A long line of traffic waiting to get into Exchange #11.

4. Free massages at major exchanges are not your thing.
We have a terrific partnership with ADAPT Physical Therapy.  They provide free massages to runners at the major exchanges. But hey, if you prefer letting those muscles tighten up and running through the pain, then you probably don’t want to check our race out.

5. Enjoying the grounds of beautiful wineries is not on your list of things you like to do.
Our course runs right through the heart of Southern Oregon’s wine country in the Applegate Valley. Our major exchange #6 is on the grounds of Red Lily, where you can enjoy a wine tasting and the beautiful grounds of this excellent winery. Leg #7 runs past Troon, and Exchange #8 is at Schmidt Family Vineyards. Van #1 has the opportunity to visit several more wineries during their rest period if they are interested. We do know of some runners who have restocked their wine supply during the race. But if you don’t enjoy well-groomed estates and gorgeous vineyards, well, this race really isn’t a good fit.

Relaxing on the grounds of Red Lily, Exchange #6.

Running coming into Exchange #8 at Schmidt Family Vineyards.

6. You have no desire to boogie with Sasquatch and all of your new relay friends.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously; relays are meant to be fun and memorable. Sassy the Sasquatch pops up all over the course, ready to hand out hugs or to take a selfie with you. Our runners are friendly and are ready to have fun along the way. Our finish-line party with live music is a great way to celebrate all of the adventures you’ve had and the great people you’ve met along the way. So if making new friends and laughing until your sides ache is not your idea of a good time, then we probably aren’t a good match for you.

Free Sasquatch hugs and dance parties are all included in your race fee.

Runners on the Wild Rogue Relay are super friendly and full of spirit.

7. You think it’s way cooler to pay for your finisher’s beer than to get a free one. And free coffee? Pshh.
We believe you deserve a nice cold beer after running 221 miles, so the first one is on us and our beer partner. We’ll even give you a custom pint glass to remember the experience by. We think that if you’re willing to go the expense of renting vans, bringing food, and running for 36 hours, it is the least we can do. But if you’d rather also pay for your finisher’s beer, there are better relay options for you.

Our amazing sponsor, Dutch Bros. Coffee, has served up free drinks – including Dutch Freezes, smoothies, and coffee at several major exchanges. It’s a perk we can’t get enough of. We are proud to be a fellow Southern Oregon company with these fantastic people!

8. You think that being chased by giant mosquitoes is an essential part of the relay experience.
Southern Oregon in June is a beautiful time of year. The days are warm; the nights are cool. Since our race is not at elevation, we do not have monstrous mosquitos. If you need to be chased by enormous insects in order to run fast, you might want to rethink your relay decision.

No need to fear these bees.

9. You hate running scenic trails when there is so much suburban landscape to be used to create a course.
We’ll admit it. We are a sucker for trails, back roads and the roads less traveled. If you want a course with lots of highways, urban trails, and stoplights, this one isn’t for you.

Leg #1 around Applegate Lake.

Leg #34 (the Clown Puncher) heading along the ocean.

10. You never take the back-country scenic byways, so why would you want to start now?
The Wild Rogue Relay will expose you to little-known by-ways across some of the most wild and scenic land in Oregon. It’s possible to see bears, deer, osprey, and countless other wild creatures during your adventure. You’ll witness views that very few Oregonians have seen, or even know about. It’s an adventure of epic proportions, but if you’d rather “stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to”, then our race is not for you.

The Galice-Hellgate National Back Country Byway is a beautiful section of road.

Climbing above the Rogue River.

Eden Valley.

A quiet road along the Coquille River. Most teams will run this in the dark.

Heading down Agness Pass.

A stunning sunset to start the night legs.

If the Wild Rogue Relay does sound like a relay that you would enjoy, please join us. Registration will fill fast, so if you have a team, please be sure to check out our registration information. If you don’t have a team and would like to find one, we do have a forum to match runners and teams. You can also learn more about us on Facebook.