Get recent race or training data — need this to assign legs fairly

Ragnar rates each leg — match runner strengths to leg difficulty

Each runner runs 6 legs in rotation — order matters for overnight handoffs

Use pace + leg distance to predict handoff times — critical for van logistics

Must be done before July 6 or start times won't be assigned. Each runner does this individually in their Ragnar profile.

Online AMA session with the Race Director. Get answers to any race-specific questions before race week.

Ragnar captain checklist requires this. Google Doc works — full name, email, phone, pace, travel plans, emergency contact for each runner.

Rent, borrow, or buy — confirm van fits 6 runners + all gear comfortably

Select Ultra team option (6 runners)

Drivers move the van between exchanges while the team rests — must stay sober the whole race

With 6 runners each doing 6 legs, expect ~30 hrs on the road

Headlamps, reflective vests, layers — all required for night legs

Ragnar tradition — decorate with team name, runner numbers, funny signs

Custom magnetic signs for van — team name, leg numbers, etc. Popular at Ragnar

Some exchange zones have shower trucks — figure out if we're using them or doing a gym day pass near the course

Book hotel early if yes — Duluth fills up fast around race weekend

Someone to drive, hand off water, cheer, and help coordinate logistics so the runners can focus on running

REQUIRED for full relay teams. Sign-up opens July 11 (captain gets email at midnight). No volunteer = team cannot race. Pay $120 at runragnar.com to opt out.

Must be a 12 or 15 passenger van or large SUV. No RVs, motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, or limos. Must fit in a standard parking space (max 6'6" wide, 20' long).

Opens the week of the race on the Ragnar website. Don't skip it — required before packet pickup.

Day before the race. Saves time on race morning. Both vans can check in together or separately. Requires all safety gear present.

~30 hrs on the road — need real food, not just chips. PB&J, wraps, pasta, bananas, etc.

Each runner needs fluids at every exchange — especially on summer August legs

Night legs are brutal — coffee thermos, energy drinks, or caffeine chews for the 2–5am stretch

Need a good cooler system to keep food and drinks cold for 30+ hrs

When cheering on other runners at exchanges — bring stuff to share with the team

Ragnar provides zero cups on course. Water refill stations exist but you must bring your own container. No exceptions.

Hot showers are available at Exchange 24 ($2 cash), but body wipes are essential for freshening up between legs throughout the race.

Running 6 legs over 30+ hours = serious chafing risk. Bodyglide or similar — apply before every leg.

Blisters, twisted ankles, cuts — medic tents are on course but you want basics in the van: bandages, blister pads, KT tape, ibuprofen, Vaseline.

August in Minnesota = hot. Runners will love getting sprayed. Bring big ones.

The more ridiculous the better — other teams will love it too

Cheer your runners in loud — it genuinely helps them push harder at the end of a leg

Not everyone can be at every exchange — coordinate where the biggest hype moments should be

Standing at exchanges for hours in August — come prepared

Assign someone to film handoffs, night legs, and the finish line — this is the content you'll want forever

So everyone can train specifically for their assigned legs

Ultra format means running tired — train for it

Get comfortable running in the dark with a headlamp — required for night legs

Available as a Google Doc on the Ragnar MN race page — has all race-specific rules, exchange zone info, and course details. Captain must read this.

Mandatory — must be worn during ALL night legs. Ragnar will check. One per runner, no exceptions.

Mandatory for night legs. Get ones with a solid beam and fresh batteries race morning.

Mandatory for night legs — clipped to the back of the runner so cars can see them from behind.

Ragnar requires one person awake at all times to keep the driver alert and safety-focused. Assign this role before race day.

For jerseys, magnets, van decals, and slide decks — design something that screams Boomh Shakalaka

Order custom jerseys with runner names/numbers — need lead time, order early

What does Boomh Shakalaka stand for? Lock in the vibe — use it on jerseys, the site, and the van

Stickers for helmets, water bottles, laptops — great to hand out to other teams at exchanges too