WELCOME TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN DONATION EVENT

DEAR VOLUNTEER,
"California's Longest Party" is on - from Calistoga in Napa Valley to Sonoma to Marin, through Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge under a full moon, through San Francisco to Palo Alto and through Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz. Featuring the natural beauty of the Bay Area through 36 cities, the 199-mile Relay course boasts the largest number of tourist destinations of any run.

HISTORICAL BEGINNING
"Indian Tribes Will Participate in Great California Marathon" declared the Sausalito News on April 2, 1927. As "the longest endurance contest ever," the 480-mile foot race through 7 counties between Sausalito and Grants Pass, Oregon, commemorated the beauty of the Redwood Empire. Teams from nine tribes competed for $2,775 in gold. Signal fires and tribesmen performing age-old dances greeted runners along the way. After many battled for the lead, Mad Bull from the Karook tribe finished in 7 days, 12 hours and 34 minutes.

THE RELAY
Much has changed since 1927, yet similarities remain. A fire at Point Reyes bellowed smoke through Marin and Sonoma signaling the start of The Relay in 1995. Showcasing the San Francisco area through seven counties, nine teams ran from Calistoga to Santa Cruz. Runners dance along the way. The "waiting for the porta-potty" dance is especially popular.

THROUGH ORGANS 'R' US, THE RELAY PROMOTES DONATION
The transfer of the baton from runner to runner symbolizes the transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. Transplant recipients, candidates, organ donors and donor families participate as runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators, representing 98,000 Americans (including 2,500 children) waiting for organs. Sadly, 18 die every day before an organ becomes available. Discussing organ donation with your family will save lives.

THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING (even at 2 am, OUCH!)
and joining 36 cities, 7 counties, 40 law enforcement agencies, 30 property owners, 30 sponsors and thousands of runners and walkers. The race is a unique adventure uniting communities, athletes and volunteers in a celebration of life, running and teamwork while promoting the need for organ donors. Your 4-5 hour commitment helps provide a safe and fair race. We wish you good health and a fun, satisfying experience while relaying the message on organ donation.

The Relay Committee