TEAM HANDBOOK
Download the team handbook for a full breakdown of how our relays operate. NOTE: race specific handbooks will be released 4-6 weeks prior to race weekend.
How It Works
We get to be kids again and play van leapfrog. For a team of 12 you will likely be divided into two vehicles that you provide. Clearly larger vans (12 – 15 passenger) will offer more comfort, while mini-vans will be easier on your wallet and get the job done in family style. Usually the entire team (both vans) will head to the starting line to watch their first runner begin leg #1. The remaining 5 runners drive ahead to exchange #1, drop off runner #2 and wait until runner #1 finishes. When runner #1 finishes, she passes a wristband (aka the proverbial baton) to runner #2 and then climbs into the van. The 5 runners drive now to exchange #2 to pick up runner #2 and drop off runner #3.
Lather, rinse and repeat this process until you reach exchange #6 where runner #6 hands off to runner #7 in van #2. Leap frog in action! The same rotating process continues in van #2 until runner # 12 passes the wristband back to runner #1 again in van # 1.
Age Requirements
Runners must be at least 13 years old or be in the Ninth grade to participate in Malak Series Relays. If a runner is under 18 years of age, he/she must be accompanied by an adult during the race - the adult does not have to be a runner, but must be in the same van as the under 18 runner.
Race Bibs
Race bibs must be worn by every runner while he is on the course. Each runner on a team will have the same number. Race bibs will be provided to your team in the team race packet.
Wrist Bands
A Team Wrist Band (the baton) must be worn at all times throughout the race by the active runner on the course. A wrist band will be provided to your team in the team race packet.
Conduct
HAVE FUN! And remember the golden rule. Treat everyone like you would like to be treated. Remember you are running through people’s towns, sometimes in the middle of the night, so enjoy the experience, but always act in a manner in which you can be proud.
More information on Conduct is in the Team Handbook which can be downloaded at the top of this page.
Exchange Zones
We have toiled hard to find safe, large and easy to navigate exchange zones. However, some exchange zones are a little smaller than others. To that end, please be sensitive where you park, stop and slow down to ensure safety for the runners (first and foremost) and to not block other vans entering or leaving the exchange zone.
Some exchange zones may be full or not have parking available so please park off the road well beyond the runner exchange zone. Remember crossing the street when going to school - look left, look right, and look left again before entering back onto the road.
Vans Following Runners
We cannot allow vans to directly follow runners on the course, even at night. As well intentioned as your van-mates are it can cause traffic problems for other teams and those just using the road to get from one place to another. However, it is allowed for the van to drive ahead of the runner a short distance (~.5 - 1 mile) and pull off the road out of traffic to wait and cheer their runner on as they pass.
Injuries
If a runner has an injury while running and cannot complete the leg, an alternate runner is allowed to finish the leg. The alternate runner must be registered (either as a team member or a race alternate). If this occurs, make sure to find a safe place for the runners to switch. There still must be an exchange at the end of the leg. Your team must call the race director to let him know this occurred.
The intent of this is to not force people who are seriously hurt to complete a leg. This rule has the possibility of being abused so we will closely monitor when teams use this rule.
If a switch occurs and we hear about it from another team, your team will be penalized. If we find that a switch occurred for an invalid reason, your team will be penalized. First penalty is 60 minutes added to your race time. Second penalty is disqualification from the race.
Race Officials
At every exchange zone we will have race officials. We greatly appreciate you treating them with respect. These officials are volunteers and without them this relay would not be possible. They have the authority to disqualify a team for any team violation or abusive behavior. Please understand that their judgment and decisions are considered final.
Alcohol Consumption
This should be a no brainer, but ANY consumption of alcohol during the course of this event will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification of the team if witnessed by any race official. Your safety, and the safety of all the participants, is our #1 priority and should be yours too. We promise that there will be ample opportunity for a party when the relay is done.
Runner Safety
During nighttime legs, runners must wear a reflective vest, a head lamp (or carry a flashlight) and two blinking lights (one on the front and one on the back). Nighttime leg time frames are different for each race and will be defined in the Team Handbook. Legs where the runner will finish after the start of the nighttime legs, or will start before the end of the nighttime legs will fall under all guidelines for nighttime legs.
During daytime legs, it is highly recommended that runners wear a bright shirt (bright yellow, green, orange, or pink) or reflective vest.
More information on Runner Safety is in the Team Handbook which can be downloaded at the top of this page.
Music on the course
Music devices are allowed during the daylight legs but are not allowed during night legs. No music of any kind is allowed during the night legs. Note: Runners will be allowed to have headphones (or phone speakers) during the night legs to listen to Leg Map directional information (such as the RunGo app).
Rotation of Runners
If you have run a long distance relay before, then this may be a little different. There are no requirements concerning the rotation of runners other than a runner exchange must happen at each exchange zone (a runner cannot run consecutive legs except 70 Ultra Teams). This also means that the legs do not have to be divided equally among the team members - one runner can run 1 leg while another runner runs 5 legs. This allows the team to determine the best way for their relay to be run.
Support Vehicles
Each team will only be permitted two support vans on the course. The course has been chosen very carefully for your enjoyment and safety, however many exchange zones will not accommodate extra vehicles. The largest vehicles allowed are 15 passenger vans - no RVs or similar style vehicles are allowed as the active support vehicle.
Vehicles must be able to fit into a standard parking space – 9’ wide by 20’ long.
Disqualification
We take all of the relay rules and regulations very seriously. In the unlikely event that any rules are broken or abusive behavior is displayed to anyone (a runner, a volunteer, a passerby, anyone) the team will be disqualified.
Have Fun!
Now that we have covered the guidelines, we must stress for your team to HAVE FUN! We promise it will be a memorable event and you will feel euphoric long after the relay is done.