Costumed relay run for fun
by Brian DiTullio

NORTHEAST VALLEY – The costumed runners and tricked out vans on the road from Wickenburg to Scottsdale last weekend weren’t part of an elaborate April Fool’s joke, it was all part of a race.

Ragnar Events, LLC sponsored a 189-mile relay race running from Wickenburg, through New River, Cave Creek, Carefree and down through Fountain Hills, Mesa and Tempe before finishing at El Dorado Park in Scottsdale.

Kody and Wendy Thurston of Cave Creek were two participants in the relay, and had a hand in bringing the event to the Phoenix area.

The Thurstons encountered Ragnar Events while Kody was running in an event in St. George, Utah. After some discussion, the wheels were set in motion for the race to be held this past weekend.

The race teams are made up of 12 members who run three legs varying in length from three to eight miles per leg, according to a Ragnar Events information sheet.

The marathon isn’t just about running, though. Organizers inject some extra fun into the event by encouraging participants to dress up and to “trick out” their chase vehicles. Prizes are awarded for the top three finishing teams, “Best Team Costume,” and “Tricked Out Van.”

“It’s fun,” said Wendy.

“Your adrenaline is up and the people cheer for you.”

Reach the reporter at brian@thedesertadvocate.com.