2nd annual “M2M Relay Iowa” expected to sell out | Registration opens October 14, 2013
Des Moines, IA (PRWEB) September 03, 2013 -- The second annual Market to Market Relay Iowa will take place on May 10, 2014. Registration opens on October 14 for the 75-mile team running relay race that starts from Jefferson’s town square and finishes in downtown Des Moines.
With the large turnout, extremely positive runner feedback, and community support of the inaugural event, organizers anticipate reaching the 250 team limit quickly this year. “Loved it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat” said Shannon Sims Athen after the 2013 Market to Market Relay Iowa. Race Director Jason Bakewell expects the event to sell out quickly this year. He said, “With the 210 returning teams getting advanced priority registration, we expect the race to sell out all 250 teams shortly after it opens to the general public. Our Nebraska race, which we’ve now run for five years, sells out 500 teams five months in advance, and we anticipate similar popularity for the second year in Iowa.”
The race is a true team running event. Each team consists of six to eight runners, with each team member running two or three legs of the relay for a total of about 10 miles per person for the day. Teams will start in waves from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Jefferson, Iowa, in front of the county courthouse and bell tower.
The 75-mile relay from Jefferson to Des Moines covers 17 stages on a scenic and varied course. The 17 legs range from three to six miles each. Runners pass the baton at exchange points throughout the Iowa country side and Iowa towns including Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, Waukee, Clive, and Des Moines. The course follows the Raccoon River Valley Trail system, paved streets, and gravel back roads through a diverse and scenic slice of west central Iowa.
Once teams finish their 8- to 12-hour journey, they are treated to a lively “Post-Race Shindig & Expo” at El Bait Shop in downtown Des Moines. Registration begins October 14, 2013, and capacity for the team relay race is limited to only 250 teams.
A portion of event proceeds benefit the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and community groups along the course.
About Market to Market Relay Iowa: The second annual Market to Market Relay Iowa will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Learn more about the Market to Market Relay at http://www.markettomarketrelay.com.
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Ben Cohoon, [email protected], 4027701170, [email protected]
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