The Red Rock Relay has been bringing runners to Iron and Washington Counties for five years for the 187-mile relay race in September. The signature 12-person Red Rock Relay race, which starts in the high elevation resort town of Brian Head and ends near Zion National Park, was just featured in Forbes Travel Magazine as one of the top five “Relay Races in the Nation Worth Travelling For.” On March 9, 2013, Red Rock Relay will kick off its inaugural Dixie race. This new event takes six-person teams on a 65-mile route through St. George’s scenic backcountry.

“Southern Utah has been so good to Red Rock Relay and to our runners,” said Red Rock Relay Owner/Operator Tim Collings. “When we decided to add another day race to our schedule, Utah’s Dixie was the obvious choice.”

The dawn-to-dusk format makes this new relay race doable for all levels of runners and makes the Dixie race attractive to runners who have avoided the up-all-night format of traditional relay races. The six members of each team alternate running "legs" that average 5 miles each. Each member runs twice for a total of about 10 miles. Many runners use this shorter relay race as a way to work toward the Zion race in September. Organizers anticipate at least half of the Dixie runners will return to run in the fall. Teams travel in decorated team vans as they follow and support their runners. Onlookers are likely to see a variety of costumes being worn.

No road closures will be in effect; however, drivers are cautioned to be aware and slow down for runners on the road. There will be presence along the race course from Washington County search and rescue, Utah Highway Patrol, sheriffs and other local law enforcement agencies.

Local volunteer support is needed and very much appreciated. Volunteers will receive a Red Rock Relay shirt and the opportunity to cheer on runners at this event.

For more information about the Red Rock Relay, visit www.redrockrelay.com. Individuals interested volunteering should contact Kate Roberts at kate@redrockrelay.com.

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