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 will need to create the homiest team campsite ever.
1. Tents
The core part of your fort is the tent. Though “sleep” is a rather strong word for the type of rest you’ll get at a Ragnar Trail, catnaps are much needed. Escape into a roomy 4-person tent for a quick break between your legs. With 45 minutes of rest, you’ll be ready to join your team for some antics and running.
2. Sleeping Bags, Pads, and Pillows
The next step to decorating your fort is to fill your tent. Even if you’re not planning on sleeping much, sleeping bags can be used as warmth, and pillows can be used for pillow fights (a sleepover must). Bring one for each member of your team. Plus, at several of our races, there is pre-race or post-race camping available and you’ll have everything you need for a night where you actually get sleep.
3. Hammocks
Hammocks add a bit of flare to your fort. They allow you to get in a quick rest without missing a moment of the action. Lay back in your hammock, watch the runners pass, and cheer for your team.
4. Camp Chairs
Just as important as the sleeping area is the sitting area. Most of the time you’re not running will be spent hanging out with your teammates, chatting, and playing games. Have a few chairs set up to make your campground homey. Though most people tend to stick to furniture that is foldable and light, runners have been known to bring full couches.
5. Table
A table is the backbone of your sitting area. It’s the surface that supports your card games, your meals, your dishes, your beer, your journal, and your stove. It’s the perfect piece to add to your campsite and create balance.
6. Mug/Cup
This is the one place you’ll ever live where the fewer dishes, the better. One dish can be a mug for the free coffee and hot chocolate you’ll get, a bowl for your morning cereal, and a plate if you try hard enough. Get a cup and mug that will be there for your every meal. Plus, since Ragnar Trail races are cup-less races, you’ll need to bring your own to stay healthy, hydrated, and caffeinated.
7. Camp Games
Whether you’re favorite camping game is Poker, Slap Jack, Catch Phrase, 20 questions, Beer Pong, or a good game of Uno, bring everything you’ll need to keep amused between your runs. A stack of good board games and card games is the perfect thing to keep in your “family room.”
Decorations make your campsite come to life. Match them with your team theme, coordinate your colors with the surrounding environment, or simply bring as many glow sticks and Christmas lights as humanly possible.