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 conquering the trails, Ragnar offers different team formats to match your squad’s style, endurance level, and appetite for adventure. Let’s break them down so you can find your perfect fit.
Ragnar Road: Choose Your Squad Style
Ragnar Road is the ultimate running road trip. Here’s how you can roll:
Standard Road Team (12 Runners) - The Classic Crew
Best for: First-timers, team bonding, and those who like their sleep (kind of).
In this setup, 12 runners each tackle three legs, covering distances ranging from 3 to 13 miles per leg. You’ll rotate relay-style while your non-running teammates rest, refuel, and hype you up from the van. This format is all about the journey. Get ready fro team spirit, inside jokes, and the thrill of passing that slap bracelet at every exchange.
💡 Perfect if you want a balance of running, cheering, and catching some shut-eye in the van (or at least pretending to).
Ultra Road Team (6 Runners) - Double the Miles, Double the Glory
Best for: Hardcore runners, endurance junkies, and those who laugh in the face of fatigue.
Ultra teams shrink the squad from 12 to 6, meaning each runner doubles up on legs. If you like a challenge, love pushing your limits, and have an irrational love for chafing cream, this is your team type.
💡 Great for experienced runners who want to cover serious miles and prove that sleep is overrated.
Sprint Road Team (6 Runners) - Ragnar in a Day
Best for: Newbies, casual runners, or anyone who loves the Ragnar vibe without the sleep deprivation.
Ragnar Sprint is a bite-sized version of the full road relay, covering about 60-100 miles in one day. Each runner typically runs two legs instead of three, making it a great way to dip your toes into the Ragnar madness without committing to a full overnight relay.
💡 Ideal for teams who want a one-day adventure with all the fun and none of the 2 AM runs.
Ragnar Trail: Find Your Perfect Dirt Crew
Ragnar Trail swaps the road for dirt, the van for a tent, and the gas station snacks for… well, probably the same gas station snacks. Instead of a point-to-point relay, teams take turns running three unique loops while camping out at Ragnar Village, where the campfire stories and s’mores game are legendary.
Standard Trail Team (8 Runners) - The Classic Trail Experience
Best for: First-time trail runners, those who love a mix of running and relaxing, and teams that enjoy a weekend of bonding.
Each runner completes three loops (easy, medium, and hard) over two days and one night, for a total of about 15-ish miles per person. In between runs, you’ll hang at camp, cheer for your teammates, and soak in the festival-like atmosphere of Ragnar Village.
💡 Perfect if you love trail running but also appreciate downtime between runs.
Ultra Trail Team (4 Runners) - The Hardcore Trailblazers
Best for: Ultra-runners, mountain goats in human form, and anyone who thrives on pain (in a good way).
Ultra trail teams cut the squad down to four runners, meaning each person runs all six loops instead of three. That’s 30-ish miles per runner on challenging terrain. If you live for technical trails, elevation gains, and the bragging rights of running an ultra in relay format, this is your jam.
💡 Great for runners who want to test their endurance and see how many times they can eat a PB&J before getting sick of it.
Sprint Trail Team (4 Runners) - Trail Racing, Minus the Sleep Debt
Best for: Trail newbies, casual runners, or anyone who wants the Ragnar Trail experience in a day.
This condensed version of Ragnar Trail allows four runners to complete the same loops but in a shorter timeframe. Instead of the overnight camping vibe, Sprint Trail teams get all the fun of a trail relay in a single-day format.
💡 A great option for runners who want to try a Ragnar Trail without the commitment of a full weekend adventure.
Black Loop Team (2 Runners) - The Ultimate Test of Grit
Best for: Trail beasts, ultra-runners, and those who think “more miles = more fun.”
Black Loop teams consist of just two runners who will take on the Standard Trail course PLUS an additional ultra-long "Black Loop" together (usually 15-20+ extra miles each). It’s Ragnar Trail’s version of an ultra-marathon, with all the highs, lows, and epic finishes that come with it.
💡 Perfect for experienced trail runners who want the ultimate challenge—and maybe a bit of suffering along the way.
How to Choose Your Ragnar Team Type
Still unsure which team format is best for you? Ask yourself these questions:
✅ How much do you want to run?
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Want a balanced mix? Go Standard.
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Want a serious endurance challenge? Go Ultra or Black Loop.
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Want a lighter intro to Ragnar? Go Sprint.
✅ Do you prefer running at night?
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If yes, Standard and Ultra teams (Road or Trail) are your best bet.
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If no, Sprint teams let you race during daylight hours.
✅ How much do you like camping?
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Love the outdoors? Ragnar Trail is your playground.
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Prefer vans over tents? Ragnar Road is calling.
✅ Do you thrive on teamwork or individual endurance?
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Love team camaraderie? Standard teams are perfect.
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Want to push your limits? Ultra or Black Loop will challenge you.
Final Call: What’s Your Ragnar Style?
Whether you’re cruising down scenic highways or grinding up rocky switchbacks, Ragnar is about adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. No matter which team type you choose, you’re in for a race like no other.