WELCOME TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST ORGAN DONATION EVENT

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

Teams of 12 each run three legs in rotation. The 36 legs through 36 cities are 3 to 8.9 miles and rated easy to very hard allowing runners to select legs that match their strengths. Runners of all abilities are challenged, contribute and have a great time.

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.

WITH ORGANS 'R' US ("ORU"), THE RELAY PROMOTES DONATION
Since 1995, the transfer of the baton from runner to runner has symbolized the transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. The Relay has been dedicated to transplant recipients, candidates, organ donors and donor families participating as runners, walkers and volunteers.

SUPPORT 100,000 AMERICANS WAITING FOR ORGANS
by discussing your personal wishes regarding organ donation with your family. Since 18 die each day before an organ is available, solicit online donations and/or ask your employer to match a contribution to ORU.

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