Running offers all kinds of benefits: community, fitness, adventure, scenery, to name a few. But there’s only one place you’ll find all of them together in one experience, and that’s at a Ragnar trail relay. With a variety of events nationwide, Ragnar adds an exciting team element to races, boosts the community vibe with a camping village, and gives participants the opportunity to challenge themselves on some of the most beautiful trails in the United States. To learn more about Ragnar, we talked to the experts: Ragnar trail race director CC Pelletier and Ragnar ambassador Valencia Hike.

A Trail Series for Everyone

Outside: How are Ragnar races different from other trail series?

CC Pelletier, Ragnar Trail Race Director: Trail races already have a great sense of community around them, but since Ragnar trail race competitors work as teams in a relay format, that community aspect is heightened. There are breaks between each segment for competitors to talk to teammates and other runners. Ragnar races offer the unique opportunity to make new, lasting friendships.

When you compete in a Ragnar trail race, you’ll be camping. That adds another layer of difficulty or fun, depending on how you feel about camping. Campsites are set up right near the Ragnar Village, where you’ll roast s’mores, meet other runners, and have opportunities to win partner prizes throughout the event. Plus, many of the ultrarunning events include night running for three, five, or seven miles. Some runners have never experienced anything like this. And who doesn’t enjoy trying something new?

Can all runners participate in a Ragnar trail race?

Pelletier: One of the best parts of Ragnar is that runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate. Whether you run an 18-minute mile or are a podium regular, you’re welcome here. Step one is assembling a solid team. A standard team has eight runners, while an ultra team has four members. If you can find one running friend to rope in, you can cast a wider net together to find another, and another—before you know it, you have a complete team. From there, you just need to designate one member as the captain to sign up the team online and send out the official digital invite to the other runners.

Tip: Remember, spectators are welcome at Ragnar for the weekend, so if you’re looking for a camp chef, bring them along!

Races Built on Community

What’s the running community like at a Ragnar event?

Valencia Hike, Ragnar Ambassador: It’s like stumbling upon an impromptu outdoor party in the middle of the woods. The Ragnar running community is unique in that while you have your team of runners, you feel like you’re a part of something larger than just your team. The Ragnar Village, exchanges, and camp activities create special memories and an opportunity to be part of a bigger team and get to know other runners on a more personal level.

Being a Ragnarian goes beyond running. It’s about exploration and adventure, regardless of pace. This challenge pushes you to step out of your comfort zone. At Ragnar, we all embark on the same two-day journey together, conquering the same trails relay-style, mile after mile. It is a community where we rely on one another, making it an unforgettable experience.

Races Are Offered Nationwide

Can you tell us about your favorite Ragnar trail race?

Hike: Ragnar Trail Appalachians is my favorite trail race in the series. It holds a special place in my heart because I had many first-time experiences there. I was only trail running for a year when I convinced six other new trail runners to join me at this event. That night, a severe storm hit, and many teams gave up. My team dug deep, refused to quit, and finished the race. It left me feeling accomplished and reminded me that I can do challenging things.

The following year, I ran as a part of an ultra team of four runners (instead of the standard eight), and we placed third. I returned the next year and was excited to take on the more challenging Black Loop course at the Appalachians Trail, which has double the mileage and only allows for one teammate. The following year, I returned to give back and experience the race from a different perspective, so I took on the role of Black Loop manager. Witnessing all the runners having fun and taking on the challenge together was equally rewarding.

Which races should interested runners be on the lookout for?

Pelletier: If you’ve never run a Ragnar trail race before, I would suggest checking out our race map online. We have 19 trail races in the United States, and each one is a little different with local flair. Some races have been held for more than ten years, while others are newer on the scene. One of our oldest and most popular races is Ragnar Trail Zion, located in southern Utah. It’s one of the few locations within walking distance of indoor lodging and the only location within walking distance of swimming pools and hot tubs.

We also have a brand-new race in 2024 being held in the northwestern tip of Arkansas. Fayetteville has welcomed us with open arms, and we can’t wait to host the first Ragnar Trail Arkansas!

Based in Utah, with 100,000-plus participants annually, Ragnar is the largest overnight running relay series in the United States. The portfolio consists of 25-plus nationwide road and trail relays that create moments of shared adventure and human connection. Learn more at runragnar.com.