The Blude Ridge Relay

The Blude Ridge Relay (the Blue Ridge Relay) starts at Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, Virginia, on September 11, 2026, at 5:00 AM. It is a single-format team relay covering 334.7 km, or about 208 miles, run over trails and mountain roads by teams that hand off from one runner to the next around the clock.

A relay of this length is less about individual speed than about logistics: each team member runs several legs with rest in between, often including a leg in the dark. It suits running clubs and groups of friends who want a shared goal rather than a personal time, and it can be a fun way to experience a big weekend without training for an ultra. Prepare by practicing running on tired legs with short recovery, sort out night gear early, and organize vehicles, sleep and food as carefully as your pacing.