WELCOME TO THE RELAY WALK

DEAR WALKER,
"California's Longest Party" is on - from Marin, through Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge, through San Francisco to Palo Alto and through Silicon Valley to the beach in Santa Cruz. Featuring the natural beauty of the Bay Area, the 128-mile course boasts the largest number of tourist destinations of any walk.

Teams are comprised of 12 members, each walking two legs in rotation. The 24 legs through 28 cities are 3 to 7 miles and rated from easy to very hard allowing walkers to select legs that match their strengths. Walkers 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 and walkers along the way. After many battled for the lead with " unquestioned sportsmanship," Mad Bull from the Karook tribe finished in 7 days, 12 hours and 34 minutes.

THE RELAY WALK
Much has changed since 1927, yet similarities remain. Showcasing the San Francisco area through five counties, five teams walked from Marin to Santa Cruz. Walkers dance along the way. The "waiting for the porta-potty" dance is especially popular.

WHY A RELAY?
The Latin derivation of competition is seeking our best with the help of others. A relay is not about being the fastest. The Relay is about learning what it takes to be a winner. The focus is 12 walkers working together, giving their best for the team. Surmounting adversity, helping teammates and other teams, walking in the moonlight and making special friends are all part of The Relay romance. For corporate teams, The Relay reinforces values that employees need to create a winning company. Every finisher leaves Santa Cruz a winner.

WITH ORGANS 'R' US ("ORU"), THE RELAY PROMOTES DONATION
The transfer of the baton from walker to walker symbolizes the transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. The 2005-2006 Relay Walks were dedicated to three-year-old Katalina Thang who received a new heart and lungs on Sept. 4, 2006. The 2007-2009 Relay Walks are dedicated to ten-year-old Shawn Stockwell who received a new heart on July 31, 2008. During The 2005-2007 Relay Walks, Raaj Gopal, walked 128 miles solo on team One for 128 for his wife, Gilda Vallente, who received two kidneys on February 5, 2006.

AS A RUNNER, WALKER OR VOLUNTEER, SUPPORT 100,000 AMERICANS WAITING
for organ donors by discussing your personal wishes regarding organ donation with your family. Since 18 die each day before an organ is available, build a webpage to tell your team story and solicit credit card donations and/or ask your employer to match your entry fee with a contribution to ORU.

TEAMWORK
It will take strength, strategy and endurance to reach the finish. It will take cooperation, sensitivity and understanding to travel many miles with sweaty bodies. Conquer as a team what few dare to face alone. The Relay Walk is a unique adventure uniting athletes, communities and volunteers in a celebration of life, walking and teamwork. Quench your thirst for challenge and discovery. Join us for a little (128 mile!) walk from Marin to Santa Cruz!

The Relay Committee