Relay Info | MatSu Relay A One Day Team Running Relay by NxNW Relays

—A One Day Relay

This is a relay that a team can finish in just one day and with a team of just six. This is a great way to get your running shoes dipped into the world of relay races. If you are wondering if this is a race full of elite level runners that are closing in on a four minute mile time, they will be here and are ready to compete. If you are a casual runner, or a company looking for a great team building event there will be a lot of teams like that as well.

Some Common Questions About Relay Races

Just what is this relay you speak of?

It is a race of roughly sixty miles split into twelve segments known as legs. Teams of six people run the legs in series, with each person running twice.

How far do I personaly have to run?

That depends on which legs you choose. Distances will vary from three to seven miles. But most runners will do a total of about ten miles. Be sure to consult the Course Map and Leg Detail Sheets to choose the legs right for you.

How long does this race take?

Teams will start in waves early Saturday morning, and finish through the afternoon in Palmer.

I am not much of a runner, is this really for me?

Definitely. Runners of all abilities regularly participate in these events. Team speeds range from slow and steady 10-11 minutes per mile to the ultra sub 6 minute pace. Most teams participate for the camaraderie, spirit, and goofiness that develop in these events. You'll see themed team names, wacky costumes, even the occasional epic finish line battle. The best description we've heard was "Woodstock, running down the road."

—Course Overview

We are currently putting the finishing touches on the 2020 Matsu Relay course. Maps and descriptions will be available soon.

Detailed Course Maps For Runners & Support Vans

These maps are included in the official "The Matsu Relay Race Guide" which should be either downloaded to a device that will be with you on the course or printed.

—Leg 1: Independence Mine

—Leg 2: Hatcher Pass

—Leg 3: Little Susitna

—Leg 4: Fishhook Road

—Leg 5: Trunk Road

—Leg 6: Costume Leg

—Leg 7: Wasilla

—Leg 8: Cottonwood

—Leg 9: Parks Frontage

—Leg 10: Colony

—Leg 11: Matanuska Bridge

—Leg 12: Palmer

Team Divisions

The MatSu Relay divisions are a little different than some other races, so please review them carefully.

Open	One or more team member underthe age of thirty.
Masters	All team members are forty years of age or older.
Small Team	Three or four runners on the team. Only has to provide one volunteer.
Solo Runner	For the amazing and/or crazy.
Duo Runners	Also amazing but better with a friend.
Corporate	All members must be employees or relatives from the same company. No gender categories within this division.
Public Service	Military / Law Enforcement / Fire / Paramedics - All members or relatives active duty or reserves. No gender categories within this division.
High School Challenge	All nineteen or younger. No gender categories within this division. Okay if some team members are entering freshman year of college as long as they are nineteen or younger

Gender Categories

Mixed	Any combination of males or females.
Womens	All team members are female.
Mens	All team members are male.

Be Sensible. Be Safe. Have Fun.

We all want to have a great time, and a trip to Urgent Care usually doesn't qualify. What you find below are some basics about course safety and guidelines. Full detailed information and rules can be found in the the Matsu Relay Race Guide.

Race Guide

MatSu Relay is a FULLY OPEN COURSE, meaning open to the public, traffic, etc. We make every effort to design the course to be safe for runners, but ultimately, it is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings.

—Safety Briefing

There will be a mandatory safety briefing at the race Start Line for all runners. Each team is required to have all team members and drivers attend the safety briefing. The safety briefing will take roughly 10-15 minutes. Please arrive at least thirty minutes early to the Start Line to give your team adequate time to go through the safety briefing and get checked-in.

—Van Support

MatSu Relay teams are fully self-supporting, meaning your team provides for itself water, food, minor first aid. Through most of the course, your team can stop and support & cheer on your active runner. Following or "tailing" your runner on the course is strictly forbidden. Support vehicles must not impede normal traffic in any way.

—Open Roads Event

Unlike many races, MatSu Relay uses an OPEN COURSE, meaning that all roads and paths we traverse are open to normal traffic. Be aware of your surroundings! Unless specifically stated otherwise in the Race Guide or by a Race Official, runners must follow all normal laws for pedestrians for road crossings.

You Ran A Relay! Now We All Celebrate!

A relay race is all about fun, friends (old and new) and enjoying the adventure. Crossing the finish line is not the end of the day either. We encourage all participants, volunteers as well as their frinds and family to join us for a great time at the finish line. The Finish Line will be on the grass at Palmer City AleHouse. Details to come, but you can count on some good food and beer being available.