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 this milestone. Earlier this year I took up rowing and have challenged myself to learn the art of sculling. When I was asked to join a Ragnar team, I cast aside my fears of running in the dark and said YES! Off we went to West Virginia for the Appalachian Relay in August. I was the third runner on our team. Red Loop. Less than a mile in, I was hooked! Out on the trail alone, on my own, running at my pace, listening to the wild sounds of the woods. HEAVEN! Second Loop: Yellow. 9 pm. I turned on my headlamp, and off I went into the dark night! What a blast! Empowering. Thrilling. The last loop, Green, was well-timed because by then, I was out of steam and ready to be done. When I crossed the finish line for the last time, I was a proud Ragnarian ready to sign up again. Next year? Mt. Rainier. I am coming!!!”
-Beth C.
“One of my best memories is when I ran Arizona Trail in 2021. I was going immortal in 2021, and Arizona Trail happened to be my 12th RAGNAR race run in 2021. The loop that I ran at sunset was spectacular against the desert skyline. When running my second loop at night up the mountain, I slipped and fell on some of the rocks. It hurt, but I pressed on. After running my third loop, one of the other immortals said, “your arm is dripping (with blood). I went to the medic, who suggested that I go to the urgent care when I got home in the morning. (I was a red-eye flight back that night.) As it turns out, I was too late for stitches, but I have a nice scar now to permanently commemorate this on my body. Who needs a medal?”
-Liz I
“Bourbon Chase 2022, with a team of 10 - lost two teammates on short notice, which forced a few of us to step up and take on those additional legs. While I have always loved running, I had always said I was never really interested in running a marathon. Although it wasn’t in one straight stretch, I ended up with the total mileage of a marathon, which made for a tough but completely satisfying experience! Great memories of watching my teammates push themselves to cover the additional legs as well. It truly is hard to explain to others just what they’re missing by not joining in a Ragnar event. Trail WI, here we come in three weeks!”
-Jonathan J.
“I just had my first Ragnar experience, Northwest Passage. When my coworker talked about this “Ragnar” thing and said I should do it last summer, I thought, “Yeah yeah, sure.” I didn’t know I’d be joining a van full of strangers that I’d have such a great time with that we were planning our next one by the end of the first one! My fave part of the run was the angels from other teams spraying runners with water to keep us cool in the heat of the day.”
-Amanda H.
“I ended up falling during my run, and it was a tough thing, but the bright spot of this race was the people. Getting to chat with everyone as I drove them to camp, hearing about their nerves or excitement and where they all came from just to run here with us all. We may be kinda crazy, but it’s so much fun when you are surrounded by like-minded people. That’s truly why I love Ragnar. The people, running, working, or volunteering, have so much heart and love for the sport.
Oh, and when I did fall, it was 3 amazing Ragnarians who heard my call for help through the shuttle volunteer group and found me 15 minutes before medics. They CARRIED me off the trail to safety when the medics couldn’t, and I couldn’t walk. I really really don’t have words to express the heart that the people who love Ragnar have.”
Crystal P.