DES MOINES – The popular Market to Market Relay Iowa running event, in only its second year, sold out on Jan. 11, nearly 4 months in advance. Originally capped at 250 teams, the race organizers worked with cities along the course, volunteers, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association to be able to increase the number of teams. The approval Jan. 27 will allow for 50 more teams to experience the event, for a total of 300 teams or 2,250 runners.
Teams on the waitlist will receive the first opportunity to fill the 50 new spots, and the remainder of the team spots will open today on a first come, first served basis, until the event sells out.
“We’re extremely pleased to be able to allow 50 additional teams to experience the fun, excitement, and scenic views that Market to Market Relay Iowa has to offer,” said race director Ben Cohoon. “It’s ultimately the cities and volunteers that make this race such an amazing experience, and we’re grateful that they were willing to work with us to allow more runners to participate in the event.”
The 75-mile team relay race will start in downtown Jefferson and finish in downtown Des Moines. The 17 legs range from 3 to 6 miles in distance, and will have competitors running through the Iowa countryside, following the Raccoon River Valley Trail system, paved streets, and gravel back roads through a diverse and scenic slice of west central Iowa. Once teams finish their 8 to 12 hour journey from Jefferson, they are treated to a lively Post-Race Shindig & Expo at El Bait Shop in downtown Des Moines.
Market to Market Relay Iowa: The 2nd annual Market to Market Relay Iowa will take place on Saturday, May 10th, 2014. The 250 teams that are currently registered come from all across the Midwest to run in the event. Learn more about the Market to Market Relay Iowa and register before the 50 additional teams are sold out at www.M2MRelay.com
