WELCOME TO THE RELAY WALK

DEAR WALKER,
"California's Longest Party" is on - from Marin to Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge, through San Francisco, Palo Alto and through Silicon Valley to the ocean in Santa Cruz County. Featuring the beauty of the Bay Area, The Relay Walk course boasts many tourist destinations.

Teams of 12 each walk two legs in rotation. The 24 legs through 28 cities are 3 to 7 miles and rated 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, 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
Since 2005, the transfer of the baton from walker to walker has symbolized the transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. Relay Walks have 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 your tax-deductible 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 walk from Marin to Santa Cruz!

The Relay Committee