Marathon Relay
Teams consisting of 2-5 people.
Run for fun and possibly for more…
The addition of relay teams to the Rocket City pantheon of races serves two important purposes:
To promote running in all shapes and sizes. For a variety of reasons including experience, training, or scheduling, not everyone is ready or desires to participate in the marathon or half-marathon, but there is still a desire to participate in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere.
To give back to the community. During registration runners will be given the opportunity to donate to one of our designated non-profits. More on this below.
Registration
Each team will consist of 2 to 5 people.
Each runner will register individually; however, the first team member to do so will create the team, while the others will simply join when they register.
The team member running the first leg may also run the complete marathon if he/she registers separately for the marathon. In this case, the first runner will wear two bibs, one for the relay and one for him/herself.
Registration will be $60. A two-person team will pay a total of $120, while a five-person team will pay a total of $300.
Additional donations for non-profits (see below) are entirely optional.
Registration will be limited to 200 teams.
Details
The first runner will start with the marathon at 7:00am (note: there is NO early-start option for the relay).
A race belt/bib will be provided. This will serve as the team’s baton and must be handed to the next runner in a relay exchange zone. There will be 4 exchange zones located approximately:
Zone 1 - mile 4.2 (Maple Hill Cemetery)
Zone 2 - mile 9.1 (Bud Cramer Park)
Zone 3 - mile 15.5 (UAH)
Zone 4 - mile 20.9 (exit of Botanical Gardens)
Relay teams will be subject to marathon time limits.
Shuttle service to/from exchange zones will NOT be provided.
A pre-finish reunion area will be established so all team members may cross the finish line together. It is the responsibility of team members to return to this area before the final runner reaches the finish.
Each team member will receive a relay race shirt, a relay medal, and a relay finisher gift.
There are no awards for relay teams based on time.
The relay runners are asked to NOT overtake the lead runner(s). This is a safety issue related to how the police protect the runners at intersections.
Relay Legs, Exchange Zones, and Reunion Area
The links below provide detailed information regarding each leg of the relay, the associated Exchange Zones, and the Reunion Area in the South Hall where all members may gather to cross the finish line together.
Leg 1 & Exchange Zone 1 (interactive map)
Leg 2 & Exchange Zone 2 (interactive map)
Leg 3 & Exchange Zone 3 (interactive map)
In conjunction with the Huntsville Track Club each participant will have an opportunity to donate to one of our predetermined non-profits. This is entirely optional, but we think combining the thrill of running with the joy of contributing to a cause is an incredible way to experience this exciting event.
In addition, each relay runner can do MORE for the designated non-profit, if desired, by becoming a fundraiser. While this won’t affect your registration price, it is a great way to get others involved - including many who may not be able to run at all.
A Sampling of the 2023 Non-Profit Choices
Alzheimer’s Association
Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama - Seminole
BGCNAL nurtures young people’s self-esteem by instilling in them a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence. Clubs do this daily by providing young people with one-on-one relationships with caring adult professionals and well rounded programming that is fun and age appropriate.
Food Bank of North Alabama
The Food Bank of North Alabama, based in Huntsville, Alabama, works to end hunger by offering hunger relief programs that immediately feed people in need. It also addresses hunger’s root causes through local food initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and healthy food access.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their strength lies in their exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D.
Huntsville Track Club
The Huntsville Track Club's mission is: To support, educate, conduct and participate in the associated sports of running and jogging for health and fitness, fun runs, road races, cross country, and track and field at all levels; including pre-school age group, school, and open and masters for both male and female.