Red Rock Relay? What you haven’t heard of it? It’s about to
become one of the biggest relay races in Utah! It provides seriously beautiful
scenery that unfortunately is accompanied by seriously huge hills and high
temperatures.
We are predicting that this will become a massive event
because of the amazing views that southern Utah provides. It is simply
breathtaking. The canyons, red rocks,
and beautiful city run into Southern Utah University, is really what the south
end of Utah is about. If you have never been to this area of the country, this
race is for you!
Let me just state that this was the first relay that I have
ever done. I was a little nervous and not sure what to expect. Luckily, we had
an awesome team captain that had thought of everything! For those of you that
have not done a relay, there is no course support. Your team provides the
support that you will need on the course. My team, the Herriman Hotties,
definitely provided outstanding support!
The race itself needs a little improvement but the overall
feel of the Red Rock Relay is energetic. We started our race at 6:00 a.m. and
even at that early time the race announcer sounded wide awake. He certainly had
his coffee and was ready to get the race started.
As I mentioned above, the course was beautiful. However, it
was not well marked. We had a teammate get lost and heard several stories of
others getting lost along the way. There might still be a Red Rock team out
there looking for the finish line!
Being my first relay, I didn’t know that to expect at the
runner exchanges or the van exchanges. The Red Rock Relay didn’t have any
volunteers at the runner exchanges or van exchanges. In fact, we only saw four
volunteers the entire race. The fact
that there was not monitoring at the exchanges really didn’t bother me until
the cheating started. I know what you are thinking, cheating really? Sadly,
there were teams that would rather have a better finishing time run the full
race.
Frankly, because we were a bit of a slower team, we hit the
exchanges and port-a-potties behind a lot of other teams. Can I just say,
NASTY! I wish they would have arranged to have the potties emptied more
frequently, or at all!
When we finally reached the finish line, we were so excited
to be done! It was great to run across with the team and celebrate our
accomplishment. But by the time we got there, well we were the only ones
cheering.
More positives, the medals were great. You got to choose a
medal or a necklace with a charm. Really great idea and I loved that we got to
pick. The shirts were great; I wear mine all the time! And when I wrote into
the Red Rock Relay to discuss my experience, what I got back was a quick, fun
filled response that addressed all of my issues and asked my opinion. Nothing
better than to feel like you were listened to and your opinion mattered.
The people behind the Red Rock Relay have definitely won my
loyalty and will have the Herriman Hotties returning year after year. This race earned 3 and a half shoes. We look
forward to the improvements and can’t wait to see you in September!
