Land and Lakes Relay
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Event Overview
The Land and Lakes Relay is a team running event. Teams start at Warren Wilson College in East Asheville and finish at Fonta Flora Brewery-Whippoorwhill Farm near Lake James in Nebo, North Carolina.
Course Details
The relay course travels east from the start, passing through Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and around Lake Tomahawk. It then follows much of the Geyser Growl Half Marathon course into Old Fort, goes through downtown Marion, and finishes in the area around Lake James. The event has redesigned legs 6, 7, and 8 for this edition and reverted to the original leg 10 from 2023. Individual legs range in distance from 2.7 miles to 8.7 miles.
Team Format and Distances
Teams can have four or six runners. Each runner completes two or three legs. In the traditional running order, cumulative distances for a four-person team are approximately 14.9, 15.5, 17.7, and 12.6 miles per runner. For a six-person team, the distances are approximately 11.0, 9.2, 9.1, 9.8, 12.5, and 9.1 miles per runner. Teams are required to check in at each transfer point.
Schedule and Logistics
Packet pickup is available the day before the race and on race morning at Warren Wilson College. Team start times are assigned between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM based on estimated team pace. All teams must begin their final leg by 5:00 PM. The race is capped at 60 teams.
Safety and Requirements
For safety on open roads, runners must wear reflective vests and headlamps during the hours of 5:00-7:00 AM. The use of flashing lights front and back is highly recommended for all legs. Teams are expected to be self-supporting with their own fluids and food, though restrooms are available at most transfer points. One vehicle is permitted per team, and a parking pass is required.
Post-Race and Awards
The finish area at Fonta Flora Brewery features a post-race party. Each team can submit a finishing song to be played as they cross the line. Team photos are taken, and food trucks are available on site. Awards are presented for winning teams in categories including Open, Masters (40+), and Grandmasters (50+), subdivided by Male, Female, and Mixed divisions for both four and six-person teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
