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 are some tips and tricks if you are ready to tackle the challenge of creating an epic Ragnar Van.
Tip 1: Come up with a Theme
What’s better than a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle running around the streets of Tennessee? All the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles jumping out of the turtle-mobile from a team named TMNT. The best vans coordinate their decorations with their team outfits and team name.
Tip 2: Grab some Markers
The easiest way to add a bit of color to your van is to grab some window markers or some other kind of WASHABLE marker and start drawing away. They typically run about $10 a pack and can turn your boring white into a work of art. But remember: keep it classy! You’ll be driving through communities where kids live, so please, no profanity or inappropriate puns.
Tip 3: Add on Extras
Take a trip to your local thrift store or Walmart and find magical items you can strap to the front, back, and top of your van. Think piñatas, lights, red Solo cups, inflatable monkeys and seals, and even pool noodles. Ensure that everything extra is secured to your van. (Pro tip: Bring more zip ties and string than you think you’ll need!) No littering!
Tip 4: Get Magnets to Tag Other Vans
If you’re ready to go above and beyond and willing to spend a couple of bucks to do so, you can order stickers or magnets to tag other vans. By the end of the race, everyone will know your team name. Plus, it makes a great souvenir for other teams, and you’ll get some out of it too!
Tip 5: Keep Decorating
One does not just decorate the van and then run. There are constant additions to your van decorations; whether you’re checking off when each runner has completed a leg or counting your poos (you wouldn’t be the first), there are always opportunities to add a bit of flare to your van.