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 some time or maybe you're just hearing of it and it's igniting your intrepid spirit. Even with the registration deadline approaching fast, you can still rally the troops and put together a team of people who are just as curious and crazy as you. Here are 5 tips for building a last-minute Ragnar Trail Team.
1: Start by Asking Your Friends
The truth is: your friends probably already know you're a bit crazy. Maybe it's the fact that you have a new hobby every time they talk to you, maybe it's because you're somewhere new every weekend, or maybe it's because you seem to never stop moving. But, they're also secretly just waiting for you to suggest their next crazy adventure! See who in your group is interested in having an unforgettable experience running the trails with you. One or two people are enough to start your team.
2: Sign Up Your Team, Fill it Later
Don't be hit by a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) post-registration. Sign up your team now to secure your spot at the start and fill all the open spots afterward. Registration typically closes a month before the race and there are always runners looking to jump on a team a few weeks or few days before the start. We have resources to help you find teammates! Look on your Facebook event page, or drop a comment in our Official Facebook Group. Read more ways to build out your team here!
3: Don't Stress the Details
Just like a pug at the Westminster Dog Show, it doesn't have to be pretty to get the job done. There are several ways you can repurpose and use your resources and still have the complete Ragnar Experience:
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Use the camping gear in your closet
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Run with less than eight people (your crazy friends can always pick up an extra leg or two)
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Visit thrift stores for costumes and outfits
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Don't go for a PR, go for the experience. It's okay if you're undertrained.
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Enjoy being in a beautiful place with your (old and new) friends.
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Look forward to the medal at the finish and a huge medal afterward.
Even if you're assembling your Ragnar Trail team at the eleventh hour, there's no need to stress. With a little creativity, a lot of enthusiasm, and the willingness to embrace the adventure, you can pull together an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re convincing friends to join, recruiting teammates online, or piecing together gear from what you already have, the magic of Ragnar lies in the journey—not perfection. So, gather your crew, lace up your trail shoes, and get ready to enjoy breathtaking views, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. See you at the starting line!