Great Lakes Relay

The Great Lakes Relay (GLR) is a three-day road race for runners that crosses the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.^[1] It is known for its very hilly, sandy course, dry heat, and 270 mile length.^[2] It has many similarities with the Great Midwest Relay. They differ in that GLR takes place on much more rural routes. The GLR was first run in 1992, with the finish line being in Mackinac City. Due to disputes with local officials, the finish was later moved to its present location in Empire, Michigan, home of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

Format

The race is broken into three days, each of which usually consists of around 18 legs. The individual legs vary in length from 2.5 miles to nearly 9 miles. The first two days of the race cover 100 miles each, while the last day covers approximately 70 miles. The shortened last day allows for time to relax on the beach and for the after-relay pasta party and awards banquet. Teams are composed of up to 10 people, and they are allowed up to three chase vehicles to support their runners on the course. Often, however, vehicle traffic is directed around the runners both for safety and because the trails are inaccessible by car. The race starts at 6:00AM each day, and the team's finish time is recorded. Times from the three days are then added together, and the team with the shortest time is declared the winner.^[3][4]

Teams

Each year approximately 80 teams compete for glory in the GLR. There are two divisions: Open and Mixed. Mixed teams must have a 4:6, 5:5, or 6:4 male to female ratio. Ages of runners range from as young as high schoolers to competitors in their 50s and 60s.

A pair of English gentlemen frequently run the GLR.

References