Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years I’ve noticed some of the same questions popping up again and again as participants begin to fully realize what they’ve gotten themselves into. Below are some of the more frequently asked questions about the Sunset to Sunrise Relay.

Where did you get the name Sunset to Sunrise Relay?

I knew for this to be a success, we’d have to give the relay a name (helps with advertising and all) , and not being a creative linguist myself  I thought “Well, we’re running from the west coast (where the sun sets) to the east coast (where that sun rises) so yeah “Sunset to Sunrise Relay!” I’m simple like that, but thought it pure genius at the time.

Sunset to Sunrise Relay had a nice ring to it I thought, and I was just sure everyone would pick up on the emblematic nature of the name and its relationship to the course itself, and soon enough I’d be lauded with praise at picking such a meaningful moniker.

What I didn’t realize was what havoc this would cause for people trying to figure out what time the relay starts…”Does it start when the sun sets?” “Do we only run until the sun rises?” “My team is starting in the morning, not when the sun sets – I don’t get it?”

And thus the question “How’d you get the name Sunrise to Sunset Relay” ends up on the FAQ’s. Sorry for the confusion, I was just feeling symbolic.

Do we have to maintain our same running order throughout the race?

NO!  This rule change for us was made as a result of the feedback we received from you all.  The only rule regarding running “order” so to speak is that on a full squad (7-12 members) each person on the team must run at least 3 legs of the race.  On an Ultra Squad (2-6 members) each member must run at least 6 legs of the race.  Now, all 36 legs must be covered so if you are running short handed (less than 12 on a full squad or 6 on an ultra) someone will end up running more legs than the minimum.

Does everyone have to run the same number of legs?

No, how you choose to divide up the legs is entirely up to your team. For example, let’s say you are running on a Full Squad with 10 team members.  It could be decided that everyone on the team run 3 legs of the race, and one person on the team runs the additional 6.  The choice is yours.

Does this mean that a handoff doesn’t need to happen at each exchange point?

Typically a handoff will occur at each exchange point. But if your team has divided up the legs in such a way that one person wants to run a couple legs in a row, then that person would be running through one of our exchange areas without “handing off” to anyone…and that is fine.  My guess is that most teams will want to handoff at each exchange point, but for those who want to run multiple legs in a row this allows for it.

How are the exchange points marked?

Each exchange point will be marked with two 3 foot tall sandwich board signs – lighted during the night legs of the race.

How is the course marked?

The course isn’t marked like your typical 5K.  We don’t put cones every 200 meters, and last year we tried to mark the entire course with flour, but 180 miles of flour is hard to come by.  You will see evidence that you are on the right track however.  We have “Caution Runner’s on the Road Signs” about every mile, turns are marked with arrows, volunteers will be milling about, and other participants will be on the course with you - If you see any one of those, you’re probably doing good.

Are there lights on the course at night?

Not really.  Most of the night running occurs around Lake Okeechobee, and we will have flood lights at each of the exchange points around the lake. This won’t light the trail, but you will be able to see the flood lights from a long ways away.  The lake gets dark, so make sure those flashlights are working and put out a good enough beam to run by.

Running at night concerns me…any tips?

For a typical team the majority of the night running happens on the trail around the lake (probably 75-80%). This trail is off the highway, closed to traffic other than foot/bicycle, which makes it safer than road running at night. It is dark out there, and a GOOD FLASHLIGHT is a must.

You are more than welcome to use the buddy system when running at night, have a bicycle following the night runner, or leap frogging your runner with the team vehicle (drive past them a ways, stop, let them pass the vehicle, and repeat—jut don’t impede traffic).

Running at night is inherently dangerous.  We don’t say that to scare anyone, we all just know it to be true.  Do everything you can to be safe if you do have a nighttime leg on the roadway. Flashlights, reflective gear, blinking lights are all a must. Any bicycle following a runner at night MUST USE EXTREME CAUTION.

Do we get maps, or a manual before the race?

Yes, this is our Captain’s Manual which we affectionately call the “Paradise Pamphlet”. It will contain everything your team needs to know about the race.  The most important pieces of information in the manual are your race cordinators contact numbers on race day, emergency phone numbers, race maps, and the schedule of events for the finish line party. These are emailed to team captains and we suggest each team vehicle have a copy.

When do we get the captains manual?

First version of the Paradise Pamphlet should be up on the website in the Captains Corner by the middle of December.  I say first version becuase things do change and the manual can be updated anytime before race day. Captains will have all updated materials prior to their teams start.

Can you mail hard copies the manuals, maps, etc to me?

No, each team will have access to the electronic versions of the leg maps and race manual on the website. It is each team’s responsibility to print out those materials.

Will their be a Captains meeting prior to the race?

Most likely. The challenge is getting enough people in one place at the same time to make it worth everyone’s time. This year we will most likely have a team captains meeting via webinar in late February.

When do we find out our start times?

Final start times will be on the website no later than March 1, 2010 and emailed to team captains.

Is there a packet pickup time?  How does pre-race check in work?

A representative from your team will need to check you in 30 minutes prior to your start time on race day. This is done at the starting line, and you will receive your teams race bags at that time.

Should my teammates come to the starting line with me?

If you’re entire team wants to be there to send you off we say the more the merrier. There is ample parking at the starting area, and it is generally a festive atmosphere when we send teams off on their journey, so come on down. Usually only team members running the first 6 legs of the race or so are at the start though, since their teammates are down the road a ways waiting for them to show up.

How many vehicles can our team use? Are there any restrictions on what kind of vehicle?

We would like to have teams limit the number of vehicles for their team to no more than two. This ensures we do not have too much congestion at the exchange point, which is really the only concern expressed by some of the cities/towns/burgs/dots on the maps we’ll be running through. If you are in a pinch, and somebody on your team just HAS to have another vehicle please let us know and we will work to accommodate you.  This should be the exception, and not become the norm with teams.

As for what kind of vehicle, it’s really up to you. Passenger vans work really well, but if you all want to pile into the Mini Cooper for this, we’re not going to stop you.  Small RV’s are fine again this year as our number of teams is not to the point yet were we will need to restrict the size of the vehicles along the course.

When are volunteer duties assigned?

Once we have finalized all of our volunteers we will assign duties.  If you have a specific place or time request for your volunteer please contact us ASAP and we will work to accommodate you.  If we have not heard from you prior, we will assign your volunteer based on where our needs are (which may be Lake Okeechobee at 3am).

Can we finish the race as a team?

ABSOLUETLY YES!  We suggest the team arrive to the finish line, park the vehicles, and then get back out on the course to jog the last couple hundred meters with their last runner into the finishing area at Indian Riverside Park.  Our only request is that if there is a race to the finish between a couple teams you respect the competitive spirit and not interfere with the runners.

Do Volunteers get to come to the post race festivities?

Yes, and we encourage them to. It’s not easy to be a volunteer for one of these events, and our way of saying thanks is through the finish line party. Team vehicle drivers are more than welcome too!

Can spectators come to the finish line?

Again yes, and it is encouraged.  Have your friends and family come on down to congratulate you on a job well done!