The route will begin at White Duck Taco in the River Arts District, with the 64-mile distance divided into 12 legs ranging from 2.7 to 8 miles, winding through the valleys and breathtaking ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains. A post-race party and awards ceremony will await runners across the finish line at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. 

Unlike most relay events in the region that use relay teams of six or 12, this race will host smaller teams of four. This means fewer expenses as well as the ability to use a standard car or SUV for team travel. No overnight legs are required. 

“We want to create a relay experience that is less time consuming, less complicated and less expensive than some of the longer events in the area. This will be a memorable adventure for everyone who participates,” said Greg Duff of Glory Hound Events, the owner and creator of the Land and Sky Relay.

In addition to the typical gender-based categories, there will be organizational categories such as first responders, education, government, medical, running clubs and stores, military and more, encouraging friends and peers from area businesses and organizations to compete and run against each other. 

Visit www.gloryhoundevents.com/event/land-and-sky-relay to find out more. The inaugural event is capped at 250 teams.