Relay Iowa 2026

Relay Iowa is the World's Longest Relay Run! Teams of up to 12 participants run 339 miles to cross Iowa over a long weekend. You build your own team and then work together to break down the distance into segments of your choosing. You control the order and distance of runners and can change your plan at any time. Any level runner can participate as long as your overall team pace is 10.5 minutes/mile or less, allowing your team to finish in the allotted time.

One runner at a time from each team will advance day and night beginning in Sioux City on Friday and ending in Dubuque on Sunday. It is a relay, not a race, encouraging teamwork, camaraderie and fun while testing your determination. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or need help getting started.

Our non-profit relay raises money for Restoring Hope International, an orphanage in South Africa, as well as various charities in towns along the route and throughout Iowa. While fundraising is not required, we challenge teams to raise at least $339 to enter our Club 339 fundraising competition. Accept the challenge and ask your family and friends to support your epic 339 mile run across Iowa!

Join us on this adventure!

• This is a team event. First your captain registers, creates the team and sets a password. Next, all other team members register using the password. Boom! You just joined the adventure!

• All teams begin the relay on Friday, June 7, 2024. Exact time for each team's departure to be determined a few weeks prior to event and is based on overall team pace. Overall team pace should be no more than about 10.5 minutes per mile in order to finish in the allotted time.

• It is important to provide an accurate per mile pace during the registration process. Pace should not be your personal best, but a comfortable per mile pace over a long distance in demanding conditions. We will check in with each team captain before the event to verify team pace and set team start time.

• The course is challenging. Runners should expect to encounter loose gravel, vehicles of all sizes, all types of weather and running in darkness. You will share the road with vehicles throughout the event. Please prepare mentally and physically for this strenuous yet rewarding experience.

• Teams can divide the mileage in any way that works for the runners. You can change the plan during the event.

• There are many ways to stay informed. Your team captain should be a great resource for planning and preparation tips. Relay Iowa will send emails and post updates on social media leading up to the event. We also have a website with tips and tricks to prepare for the event. www.relayia.org. Keep in touch!