Land and Lakes Relay

Event overview

The Land and Lakes Relay is a multi-leg team relay that starts at Warren Wilson College in East Asheville and finishes at Fonta Flora Brewery-Whippoorwhill Farm in Nebo near Lake James. The race is limited to 60 teams. Team captains register and pay the full team fee; remaining team members register under that team name without an additional fee. Pre-registered team members receive an official race garment and other event items.

Course and format

The course travels east through Swannanoa, into Black Mountain, around Lake Tomahawk, follows much of the Geyser Growl Half Marathon route into Old Fort, passes through downtown Marion, and proceeds toward the Lake James area before the finish at Fonta Flora Brewery-Whippoorwhill Farm. Several legs have been redesigned for the current year.

Teams may be four- or six-person (or other sizes); each runner completes two or three legs depending on team size. Legs vary in length and cumulative totals differ by team format.

• Leg distances range from 2.7 to 8.7 miles.
• Four-person cumulative distances: 14.9; 15.5; 17.7; 12.6 miles.
• Six-person cumulative distances: 11.0; 9.2; 9.1; 9.8; 12.5; 9.1 miles.

Logistics and rules

Packet pickup and team starts take place at Devries Athletic Center, Warren Wilson College. A post-race party and awards take place at Fonta Flora Brewery outdoor event space; a complimentary beer is provided for participants aged 21 and over. Teams may submit a finishing song and will have team photos taken. Awards will be given by category for both four- and six-person teams, including Open, Mixed, Masters (40+), Mixed Masters, Grandmasters (50+), and Mixed Grandmasters.

Timing uses bibs with timing chips and transfer-point recording; individual splits are provided after the event. During early morning hours runners must wear reflective vests and headlamps; flashing lights are recommended. Teams are expected to be self-supporting, carry their own fluids and food, and use provided restrooms at most transfer points. One vehicle per team is allowed; a visible parking pass is required. Dogs, RVs, campers, and trailers are not permitted on the course or at transfer points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.