Land and Lakes Relay
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Event overview
The Land and Lakes Relay is a multi-leg team relay taking place in early 2026 with a start area at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC and a finish at Fonta Flora Brewery-Whippoorwhill Farm in Nebo near Lake James. The event is limited to 60 teams. Team captains register and pay the team fee; individual team members register under the team at no charge. Each pre-registered team member receives an official race garment and other items.
Course and format
The course runs east from Warren Wilson College through Swannanoa and Black Mountain, around Lake Tomahawk, into Old Fort, through downtown Marion, and into the Lake James area before finishing at the brewery farm. Legs range from 2.7 miles to 8.7 miles. Depending on team size, runners complete either two or three legs. Examples of cumulative distances for traditional rotations are provided for four-person and six-person teams (four-person cumulative distances: 14.9, 15.5, 17.7, 12.6 miles; six-person cumulative distances: 11.0, 9.2, 9.1, 9.8, 12.5, 9.1 miles).
Logistics, safety and post-race
Teams are expected to be self-supporting and should carry fluids and food; restrooms are available at most transfer points. Vehicles are limited to one per team and follow parking rules for transfer points and the finish area; RVs, campers, and trailers are not permitted. For visibility, runners must wear reflective vests and headlamps during early morning legs and are strongly encouraged to use flashing lights. Dogs are not permitted on course or at transfer points. Timing is electronic with a chip on the bib and individual splits are compiled after the event. A post-race party is held at the finish venue with awards presented by category for both four- and six-person teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
