Frequently Asked Questions

Team Format & Logistics

  • In order to register for this year’s OTO relay races, you’ll need the following:

    1. Team Captain (person responsible for registration)

    2. Team Name

    That’s it! The rest will come later.

  • After registration, the team captain will receive an email with instructions on how to add team members. The captain can enter each participant’s email, and they will receive an invitation to join the team and sign their waivers. Team members will not be charged—only the team captain is responsible for payment at the time of registration.

    Alternatively, each team member can go to the registration page, enter their personal information, and then select "Join a Team." From there, they will enter the team name provided by the captain and complete their waiver. Again, there is no cost for team members to join—only the team captain pays the registration fee.

    Additionally, the runner’s packet will be sent after the team registration is complete.

  • No worries! If you’ve got one van full (a 6-person team), we can help connect you with another 6-person team to complete your relay crew. Just select the Connect Team option during registration, and we’ll handle the rest.

  • Teams have full control over how they divide the legs and assign the running order. The only rule is that no team member can run more than one leg more than any other teammate.

    For example, on a 10-person team, everyone will run at least 3 legs, and 6 runners will need to run a 4th leg. Just make sure that no runner runs 2 more legs than another—everyone’s total should be within +/- 1 of each other.

  • Official race start is 6:00 AM Friday, with staggered starts between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM based on your team’s average 10k trail pace.

  • No alternates needed. If a team member can’t run due to injury, their remaining legs can be divided among the other runners. It’s not a disqualification—just a leg adjustment.

Vehicle & Transportation

  • Each team is responsible for securing their own vehicles.

    Standard Teams ( 7–12 runners) are required to have 2 vans or large SUVs (like 8- or 15-passenger vans or Suburbans) to transport their runners throughout the race.

    Ultra teams and 65 Mile Relay teams (6 runners or fewer) only need 1 van or SUV.

    Most teams rent vehicles for the weekend to keep things comfortable, efficient, and fun on the road.

  • Yes. For safety and access reasons:

    • Vehicles must be under 6'6" wide and 20' long

    • No RVs, campers, motorhomes, buses, limos, or trailers allowed

    • We recommend vehicles with good suspension due to rough terrain.

  • Most overnight legs are vehicle accessible, which makes support easier. We suggest leapfrogging your runner about ¼ mile ahead for safety.

    The course will be well-marked after dark, and we’ll provide a runner guide for leapfrogging and navigation.

    During the day, some areas—like portions through Devil’s Den—are not vehicle accessible. These will be clearly marked in the runner packet.

More…

  • Relax! Most teams rest in their vans between segments, but the downtime is often just as fun as the race itself.

    Team members hang out at exchange zones or campsites—grilling, playing music, or just kicking back. Some teams even bring tents and camp at designated areas along the course.

  • Each team is expected to contribute volunteer hours to help support the race. Ultra Teams must provide 3 volunteer hours or make a $75 donation. Standard Teams are required to provide 6 volunteer hours or a $150 donation. Volunteer time can be completed by team members or designated individuals. 

  • Volunteers assist with event operations, like monitoring exchange zones and moving supplies. They’re a vital part of the race experience.

Have a question not answered here? 

Please email us at outbackrunner@gmail.com , we’d be happy to help!