First American odyssey relay race to bring teams in touch with history

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Spanning approximately 200 miles, the race will start in historic Gettysburg, Pa., where some of the most famous battles were fought. Runners will encounter several covered bridges and streams in the early going before crossing the famous Mason-Dixon Line into Maryland.

It is in the town of Boonsboro that runners will experience the first-ever Odyssey Oasis, a mid-race festival offering runners food and drink, showers and other amenities.

The course continues directly through the celebrated Antietam Battlefield and then onto the C & O Canal, the Appalachian Trail and through Harpers Ferry, W.Va., before passing Riley’s Lock and entering Great Falls Park in Potomac.

Runners will then head toward the historic home stretch, pointing to the finish of a lifetime amidst many of the landmarks that manifest the magnificence of Washington, D.C.

Teams will wrap up their multi-state adventure against the beautiful backdrop of the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials and the Kennedy Center, with the finish line located adjacent to the FDR Memorial in the shadows of the Washington Monument.

The race is limited to 150 teams, each consisting of 12 runners.

Each participant will run three separate legs of the 36-segment course, and each team will be equipped with two vans to transport teammates throughout the race.

Part of the proceeds from the event will go to The Wellness Community-DC, a charity devoted to helping people affected by cancer.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers as well as to those with the best team name, best costumes and best van decorations.

The course was designed from starting point to finish line with the help of experienced area runners.

Teams are encouraged to sign up immediately. Any group that registers at www.americanodysseyrelay.com) prior to the early registration deadline of July 31 will receive long-sleeve T-shirts for each of their runners.

For further information, e-mail Race Director Bob Fleshner at bob@americanodysseyrelay.com.