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Ragnar Blog

Insights, Inspiration, and Stories for Every Ragnar Runner

Blog Posts

Which Ragnar Runner Are You?

April 2, 2026

The Ultimate Road Festival Lineup

July 3, 2025

Road running, but make it a weekend-long road trip with your wildest friends. What’s Ragnar Road? It’s 200-ish miles of scenic roads, sleepless nights, and nonstop cheering from a van full of teammates. You run, pass the baton, and leapfrog from exchange to exchange across stunning routes. It’s a team relay, a rolling

The Ultimate Trail Festival Lineup

July 3, 2025

Trail running, but make it a weekend-long party. What’s Ragnar Trail? Think 120+ miles of dirt trails, forests, rivers, and night running under the stars, all shared with 8 teammates who become your new family. You run while your crew cheers, camps, and preps for the next leg. It’s a relay race, a camping trip, a party

What Ragnar Race You Should Run Based on Your Favorite Summer Activity

June 17, 2025

Summer break as a kid was a vibe. Whether you were belly-flopping into the deep end or staying up way too late at camp, those moments shaped you. And guess what? They also point straight to your perfect Ragnar race. Here’s the match-up, based on your favorite childhood chaos: If Recess Was Your Main Sport… Run: Ragnar

Quick Creatine 101 (No Science Degree Required)

June 17, 2025

After a tough workout or long training run, your body is doing everything it can to bounce back. Finding the right post-workout fuel can make all the difference, not just in how you feel the next day, but in how much stronger you come back over time. That’s where creatine comes in. And figuring out what to look for and

Which Ragnar Runner Are You? (Take the Quiz)

April 9, 2025

Because every team has a hype beast, a night owl, and someone who forgot their shoes. Ragnar isn't just about the miles, it’s about the people who make those miles legendary. Every team is a wild mix of personalities, quirks, and skills. So, what kind of Ragnarian are you? Are you the one keeping spirits high, the one

How to Train for Ragnar When You Have a 9-to-5 (And a Social Life… Kin

April 1, 2025

You stare at your calendar, and it stares right back. Between meetings, nights with friends, that never-ending pile of laundry, and the occasional attempt at having a social life, squeezing in training for a Ragnar Relay sounds... laughable. But guess what? You can absolutely do it. Plenty of us have. Ragnar wasn’t mad

What Your Ragnar Team Name Says About You

March 27, 2025

Something magical happens the moment your team lands on the name. It gets Sharpied on the van, blasted on social, and screamed from the trails or across the parking lot as your runner comes flying into the exchange. Your team name isn’t just a clever pun or an inside joke, it’s also the flag you wave high, a personalit

Your Ragnar Playlist: From Pump-Up Anthems to Survival Soundtracks

March 17, 2025

Let’s be real: music is just as important as your running shoes during a Ragnar Relay. Whether you’re pounding pavement in a road race, navigating trails in the middle of the night, or just trying to keep your team’s morale high after 24+ hours of running and questionable snack choices, the right playlist makes all the

Your Ragnar Race Based on Your Zodiac Sign

March 13, 2025

Runners come in all types: some love a wild adventure, some prefer a smooth ride, and some are just here for the snacks. Same goes for zodiac signs. Every sign has a different energy, and there’s a Ragnar race that matches it. So, why not let the stars decide your next race?  Aries: Bourbon Chase Aries are all about ju

How to Build Team Spirit and Camaraderie for Your Ragnar Relay

March 12, 2025

Ragnar is about more than just running. The stories, inside jokes, and spontaneous dance parties at 3 am are how a group of runners become lifelong friends. Whether you’re running through winding trails or passing off the baton on an open road, the best teams are the ones that show up for each other; not just at the fi

6 Underrated Trail Training Tips You Need to Try Now

March 3, 2025

Trail running isn’t just road running with better scenery. It’s a completely different beast. You need strong legs, sure footing (and the right shoes!), and a mindset that welcomes a little suffering. And while there’s plenty of advice out there (log miles, run hills, lift weights) some of the best training tricks ofte

Hydration Hacks for Ragnar Runners: Train, Race, Recover Like a Pro

February 25, 2025

Let’s be real: hydration is the unsung hero of every Ragnar relay. When you’re pounding pavement on the road or crushing trails, the right hydration strategy can make the difference between feeling like a Ragnar legend or a sun-dried raisin by mile 15. And since Ragnar isn’t your average race (hello, two days of runnin

Running Into Love: A Ragnar Relay Romance

February 13, 2025

For many runners, participating in a Ragnar Relay is a test of endurance, teamwork, and sheer determination. But, for Christian and Alyssa, it was the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Their love story began in 2019 when fate—and the need for a last-minute teammate—brought them together. Christian’s Ragnar team was

Your Ultimate Guide to Ragnar Trail: What to Expect & What to Pack

February 13, 2025

So, you’ve signed up for a Ragnar Trail relay. Get ready to trade city streets for dirt paths, vans for tents, and car horns for campfire stories. Over two days and one night, you and your team will take turns running three scenic trail loops, conquering rugged terrain by day and starry skies by night. Before you pack

Your Ultimate Guide to Ragnar Road: What to Expect & What to Pack

February 13, 2025

So, you’ve signed up for a Ragnar Road relay. Buckle up (literally!), because you’re about to embark on a 200-ish mile running road trip like no other. Over the next two days and one night, you and your team will take turns running relay-style through some of the most scenic roads in the country. You’ll bond over sweat

What Team Type is Best for You? A Guide to Ragnar Road and Trail Teams

February 6, 2025

So, you’re ready to take on a Ragnar. Maybe you’ve already envisioned yourself running through breathtaking landscapes, high-fiving teammates, and surviving on granola bars and sheer determination. But before you dive in, there’s one crucial question: What team type is best for you? Whether hitting the road or conqueri

10 Tips for New Ragnarians: How to Survive (and Thrive) at Your First

February 4, 2025

You’ve signed up for your first Ragnar? Congratulations! You’ve officially joined the ranks of sleep-deprived, sweaty, and slightly delirious runners who believe that racing 200-ish miles in a van (or 120 miles through the wilderness) is a great idea. And guess what? It totally is. Whether you're taking on a Ragnar Roa

Ragnar Travel Guide: Road SoCal

January 24, 2025

Ragnar Road SoCal is known for its incredible scenery, photo-worthy moments, and that indescribable Cali vibe. Whether you arrive early to explore San Diego or want to make the most of your downtime between legs, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the best spots to eat, relax, and recharge! Start Your Adventur

Why a Relay is the Perfect Way to Cure Your Post-Marathon Blues

January 21, 2025

You crushed it. The long runs, the early mornings, the carb-loading—months of dedication led you across that marathon finish line. But now what? If you’re staring down an empty race calendar and feeling a little lost, don’t worry, we’ve got the cure: a Ragnar relay. Here’s why tackling a relay is the ultimate antidote

Why Running with a Team is the Best

January 14, 2025

Running is often seen as a solo sport: just you, the road (or trail), and your determination to push forward. But when you lace up with a Ragnar team, the game changes completely. Suddenly, running becomes a shared adventure. It’s a relay of encouragement, laughter, and camaraderie that turns the solitary grind into a

5 Tips for Newbie Trail Captains

January 6, 2025

You're a modern-day Lewis and Clark. You have trailblazing in your blood, and mud permanently caked on your shoes, which makes you the first choice as team captain for a Ragnar Trail. So grab your headlamp, map, and tent and get ready to lead your team to greatness. These five tips will help you succeed at being the te

3 Tips for Creating a Last-Minute Ragnar Trail Team

January 2, 2025

With miles of trails, a massive campout with your best friends, and the promise of staying up all night, Ragnar Trail is built for those with a sense of adventure. In teams of eight, you'll each run three loops relay-style through the woods, over mountains, and in the desert. Maybe it's been on your bucket list for som

7 Secrets All Ragnarians Should Know

December 26, 2024

Being a Ragnarian is almost like being part of the Illuminati. It's an exclusive club, there's a symbol that may or may not mean something, and once you’re a member, you learn all kinds of secrets. Before you run, we're willing to let you in on a few (but not all) of the secrets you'll learn by running your first Ragna

The Dos and Don'ts of Being a Ragnar Teammate

December 23, 2024

Ragnar Relays are about much more than just running. Sure, you'll put in the miles, but the most memorable moments will be the conversations you have with van mates in the middle of the night, random dance moves turned inside jokes, and the bond you build with your team while going on the road trip of a lifetime. Here

3 Tips From Ragnar Relay Captains

December 19, 2024

Being a Ragnar team captain is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. From managing logistics to motivating your team, the role requires organization, flexibility, and a sense of humor. To help make the journey smoother, we’ve gathered advice from seasoned captains who’ve bee

5 Fueling Mistakes to Avoid During Ragnar

December 10, 2024

Running an overnight relay with some of your closest running buddies differs from your average road trip. At first, it may seem like an awesome adventure to pile into a van or campsite with your friends while chowing down on some of your favorite past-time snacks. But ignoring nutrition is a big blunder that can turn y

5 Things All Ragnar Captains Need to Know

November 20, 2024

Hey Captain! You've got a big job (and everybody knows it). Taking a team of runners on an epic adventure, overnight and in the wild? No pressure! But don’t sweat it. Race day will be here before you know it, and when it does, things will fall into place. Here are 5 insider tips that can make your Ragnar experience tru

How to Build a Training Plan for Your Ragnar Race

November 13, 2024

How to Build a Training Plan for Your Ragnar Race One of the most intimidating aspects of getting ready for a Ragnar is how to train. Ragnar races are unlike any other, and we’re here to help you build a training plan that will keep you strong, ready, and (most importantly) pumped to tackle your relay! Whether you're o

5 Tips: How to Decorate a Ragnar Van

November 7, 2024

The Ragnar Van at any Ragnar Relay is more than just your transportation in between legs. It’s an icon of your team. And how you decorate it can spread Ragnar joy throughout the 200-ish mile course and make your team pretty much famous… or leave you as just another bland white van people won’t look twice at. So, here a

8 Essential Items for Your Ragnar Trail Campsite

November 4, 2024

Creating the ultimate campsite at a Trail Relay is pretty much like creating an epic fort for the best sleepover ever. If you do it right, it will put the pillow forts from your past to shame. And for one weekend, that 300 square feet of dirt will become a home to you and your seven teammates. So, here’s everything you

5 Things to Do to Prepare for Your Night Run

November 2, 2024

There’s still a small part in each of us that still believes when you turn the lights out, there might actually be a monster under the bed. Or that when there’s a rustling in a bush, it’s probably a bear. At Ragnar Relays, the hope is that this fear just helps you run faster. One of your legs will typically be between

5 Ragnar Runner Memories to Help You Reminisce

October 31, 2024

We asked our runners to share their  favorite Ragnar memory or story. Just because we aren’t at a race, doesn’t mean we can’t swap some campfire stories (just pretend we’re also roasting marshmallows and a smidge sleep-deprived). “I turned 65 in December 2022 and committed to saying yes to new adventures to celebrate t

4 Underrated Trail Training Tips You Need to Try Now

October 30, 2024

Trail running can be a little intimidating. Some say it’s easier than road running, and others say it takes about six months of trial and error. Whichever way you sway, we’ve researched some tips that many ultra trail runners abide by. And, no matter your level, we think you should give them a try! Here are our top 4 t

Which Trail Running Shoes are Right for You?

October 15, 2024

It’s time to hit the trails! And that means embracing the wild, tackling tough terrain, and making those miles count. To conquer the trails, you need the right gear and nothing is more important than the shoes on your feet. The right pair of trail running shoes can make all the difference between an epic run or epic st

Ragnar Road vs. Ragnar Trail: Which One is Right for You?

October 15, 2024

Discover the key differences between Ragnar Road and Ragnar Trail. From van life to campfires, find out which relay race adventure is perfect for your team.

How to Train for Night Running

October 15, 2024

Running at night adds a new layer of adventure. Get comfortable with gear, train in low-light conditions, focus on footwork, and strengthen your mental game for those nighttime miles.

Top 5 Tips: How To Recruit A Ragnar Team

October 8, 2024

Recruiting can be daunting, but we're here to help! Here are our top 5 tips to recruiting your Ragnar dream team, from asking friends and family to harnessing social media.