I ran on the Blue Route for a group stage in Dallas, TX on a Thursday evening. I really feel as if the key to fully understanding this race to acknowledge that this isn't really a race, but a relay with the ultimate goal of having a chain of runners from coast to coast and to raise money for amazing charities. With that being said, there aren't any expos, parking varies from location to location, and there's only so much control race management can have. Runners do have an option of ordering a cotton shirt for free and only paying the cost for shipping.

Registration is all online and you can pick which route(s) you would like to run and it will list a location and a time, and the distance for $50. The individual legs are point to point runs so you are asked to try and provide your own course support and transportation to and from these access points. In major cities they had group stages, for $25, which were looped courses so yo would start and finish at the same spot so you don't need to worry about being dropped off or picked up somewhere. However, United Relay was willing to help in whatever way they possibly could.

My personal stage was looped around Bachman Park in Dallas, probably the least prettiest place as it sits right behind Dallas Love Field Airport. Not the best choice of showing off the beauty of Dallas, but whatever. Three days out an email was sent with everyone's contact information and the coordinates of where to meet. After using the coordinates we were able to easily locate Joel and Sarah who were the blue team support crew and we were off, and that was it.

Compared to big brand races that offer medals, tech shirts, bibs, and other stuff this race does not have it. It's more about the experience of meeting new people and just being part of something great. I would definitely run a leg in the relay again.