CONTACTS:
RTB Contact: Deb Dionne (508) 320-7068
Adventure Relay Race Faces Reroutes, Road Work, In the Aftermath of Irene
Hopkinton, Mass., Sept. 2011 – In thirteen years of September races, the organizers of The New Balance Reach the Beach Relay have never faced last minute course changes. And while a hurricane has never rolled directly through New Hampshire on race day, the effects of four hurricanes: Isidore in 2002; Ivan in 2004; Ophelia in 2005; and Irene in 2011, have set the scene and backdrop for this epic adventure race.
“Since the days following Hurricane Irene, we have been working with The New Hampshire Department of Transportation to ensure that the course is in good repair,” said Rich Mazzola, Reach the Beach co-race director and founder. “Course modifications have been made to make certain that the course is to the safety standards of the RTB Relay organization.”
The Reach The Beach (RTB) Relay is recognized by athletes as the premier relay series in the United States. The 13th annual RTB Relay is set to start at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire on Friday, September 16. The relay will consist of (a maximum of ) 12 person teams that will rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the approximate 200 mile distance of the race. The race will finish on the beach at Hampton Beach State Park on Saturday, September 17. Title sponsor New Balance will host an expanded “New Balance Tent Village” at Bear Brook State Park, and offer a robust assortment of official RTB race merchandise.
2011 marks the thirteenth running of the Reach the Beach Relay. In 1999, 30 teams finished the inaugural event and since then, the event has grown to a field of more than 450 teams (nearly 5,000 athletes) competing in this year’s race. May 2011 marked the addition of a spring race from Mount Wachusett to Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, Mass. This inaugural race drew 2,000 participants.
Other sponsors and in-kind donors include: Coca Cola bottlers of Northern New England (a twelve year sponsor), The Red Hook Ale Brewing Company, Pete and Gerry’s Organic Egg Company, Runner’s Alley, NRG Bar, GoMotion, and Pro-Ex Physical Therapy.
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Media Exclusives
- Dinner with Runners Available for Media Representatives. 9/15, 6pm – 9pm
- (RSVP to Deb at (508) 320-7068)
- Race Start: Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, Rte. 3, Franconia, NH. 9/16, 7:30am – 3pm
- Press-Accessible Athlete / Vehicle Transition Areas along race route (call for specifics on locations, hours, and special attractions)
- Finish Line: Hampton Beach State Park, Rt. 1A South. 9/17, 11am — 8pm
Go Staminator!!!
How are the 2011 teams doing? Trying to get an update. Thank you Be Safe Jp
So only the team captain gets the free pair of New Balance? What’s the incentive for us all to sign up before Dec 31? I would think a sponsor like NB could donate one to each participant.
Hi Sarah,
We are only taking Captains registrations at this time so the whole team cannot sign up until after Jan 1. If each member would like a pair of shoes, then each of you can captain your own team and you will receive a pair! Have a Great Thanksgiving!