Our team name was "Iowa HEAT" (Hawkeye Endurance Athletics Team) based on a local triathlon club -- 6 of our team members were triathletes & 6 were runners only(?)

It was a staggered start, with teams starting early on Friday morning & late into the afternoon. Based on our average mile time, Iowa HEAT was seeded 8th in a field of 44 teams.

This event is unique in many ways. First of all, it is not a race, but a relay run. The final goal is not to win or come in first -- instead it is for your team to work together to make across Iowa in 60 hours or less.

Each team is allowed to choose its own running order & individual distances -- We chose 6 miles legs. Checkpoints & Pit Stops -- approx. 30 miles apart -- were used to monitor our pace & help us stay on track.

Each team had a GPS monitor that tracked our location as we crossed the state. Friends & family were able to follow our progress & we were able to see our location in relation to other teams (Remember -- Not a race -- But a relay run -- Yeah, right!*?)

The route included 28,000 ft. of total altitude change as well as the challenges that come with running on gravel, up & down large hills, in heat & rain, in the dark & near traffic.

We were fed 3 times & received a t-shirt, window sticker, & team picture.

Proceeds benefit Restoring Hope International which is run by 2 Iowa couples -- This home in Welkom, South Africa, provides care & shelter to South African orphans. Relay Iowa 339 also supports local charities in many of the Iowa towns along the route.

Link to this review