Coeur d’ Alene To Sandpoint

Walk Relay

CDA To Sandpoint Walkers,

On behalf of the entire Race Staff we would like to welcome you to what we believe is one of the most scenic, engaging, and adventurous Relay Walk Races in the great Northwest.  In addition to breath-taking scenery and excellent walking locations, we believe that this race will provide a real opportunity for team bonding!  We also believe that you’re going to enjoy your stop at Silverwood Theme Park and get a kick out of some of the fun contests along the way.  Simply put, we want this fun-natured relay race to be one of the greatest experiences that you’ve ever had whether you’re new to longer distance walking or a seasoned veteran.  

Walkers you are going to absolutely LOVE where you get to walk with your teammates during this scenic and fun-natured walk relay race.  In total each walking pair will average about 13 miles between their 3 Legs as they traverse though waterfront properties, timber country, rural farmland, and National forests en route to the finish at the beach in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

As an overview the Relay begins along the revitalizing shores of Lake Coeur d’ Alene near Higgins Point which is the trailhead of the North Idaho Centennial Trail system.  Walkers then progress through the city of Coeur d’ Alene before heading north along the banks of Hayden Lake.  With shaded pine trees keeping you company and beautiful vistas overlooking the water, you’re in for a treat!    As evening approaches teammates saunter northward toward Silverwood Theme Park where they prepare to take a plunge in the dark aboard the 60 mph Tremors Roller Coaster, rated a top 5 wooden coaster by Teen People Magazine.  Silverwood is the half way point of the Walk Relay and is sure to provide a mid-race adrenaline rush unequaled by any experience you’ve ever had!  The coaster is voluntary.

 The second half of the Walk Relay takes walkers through the majestic Kinisku National Forest with huge pine trees and clean Northwest air to keep you company.  Initially, the stars will be your guide during the night legs, but then as the sun comes up and warms the brisk summer night the Pend Oreille River’s glimmer will cheer you and your friends on.  The second half of the Walk Relay takes you back in time as you travel through small townships including Athol, Clagstone and Edgemere.  During the final 20 miles teams get to enjoy one of the most dramatic finishing sections of any race as they make their way along Lakeshore Drive, cross the historic 2 mile Long Bridge into Sandpoint, and successfully break the tape at the  Finish Line at City Beach Park.  We guarantee you are going to love the CDA to Sandpoint Walk Course!

Regards – CDA To Sandpoint Race Staff

 

1. Overview Page
2. Non-Profit Beneficiaries
3. Race Partners
4. Important Dates
5. Getting Ready for the Race
6. Race Logistics
7. Walking Pairs and Van Rotation
8. Race Equipment
9. Race Rules
10. Hot Showers
11. Train Crossings
12. Weather
13. Recommendations
14. CDA to Sandpoint Race Contests
15. Silverwood Theme Park
16. Course Markers
17. Leg Distances
18. Directions to Race Start
19. Directions to Race Finish

How it Works:

Each Team of 12 walkers will be required to provide two van or suburban type vehicles to transport their walkers.  Van 1 will carry walkers #1-6 and Van 2 will carry walkers #7-12.  This Walk Relay is a social walk!  You must always walk in pairs, so in total you will have 6 walking pairs (3 pairs in Van 1 and 3 pairs in Van 2).  At the Race Start near Higgins Point walking pair # 1 from Van 1 will walk their leg and then hand off the wrist wrap to walk pair # 2 at Exchange 1.  This will continue until all three walking pairs from Van 1 have completed their sections.  At Major Exchange 3 walking pair # 3 will hand off the wrist wrap to walking pair # 4 from Van 2 and Van 2 will then begin their first set of legs. 

Walking Pairs:

Please walk on road shoulders.  Pairs must complete all 3 of their walking legs together (unless of an injury to one walker).  Although we recommend all participants participate in the fun-natured contests along the route, the contests are optional.  One or both walkers may participate.  Have fun! 

Considerations:

Each Vanload must complete their 3 legs before handing off the wrist wrap and allowing the other Van to continue the relay race.  It is recommended that during your Van’s ‘OFF’ times you properly hydrate, get food, gas up your vehicle if needed, plan good humored pranks on the opposite van, and catch up on some needed rest during the night sections of the relay. 

Mandatory Equipment

1. Two (2) Flashlights for Night Running w/ extra batteries
2. Two (2) Reflective Vests for Night Running
3. Adequate Water/Sports Drink
4. Race Handbook for each Vehicle
5. Course Map/Driving Directions (included in Race Handbook)
6. Two Vehicle Signs (provided by Race)

* Reflective vests will be sold at Start Area.

Recommended Equipment

1. Car GPS/Navigator Systems – these are extremely helpful for anticipating turns.
2. Cooler with lots of ice
3. Food
4. Sleeping Bag
5. Pillow
6. Sleeping Pad
7. Cell Phone
8. GPS
9. Extra Batteries
10. Extra Running Clothes
11. Warm Clothes for Night
12. Toilet Paper
13. Trash Bags
14.  Clipboard/Pens/Tape
15.  First Aid
16.  Medical Info on each Runner
17.  Sunglasses
18.  Sunscreen
19.  Hat/Visor
20.  Towel
21.  Swimming Gear (Water access at several locations)
22.  Full Gas Tanks
23.  Spending Money for Food along course and Race Merchandise at Start/Finish
24.  Water Bottles
25.  Kenyan Teammates
     

1.  LAWS OF THE LAND:

All teams are required to follow ALL Laws of the Land.  This means abiding by traffic safety laws (including speeding limits and parking restrictions), using portable toilets, and litter receptacles.   Please clean up after yourself and keep the race course and the Inland Northwest in great shape! 

2.  THREE VOLUNTEERS:

It is mandatory that ALL teams who have at least one walker who lives locally within 100 miles of any section of the race course provide 3 VOLUNTEERS to help support the Race.  An event of this distance and magnitude needs your team’s volunteers to help make it run smoothly!  If you do not want to provide volunteers you can HIRE volunteers to take their place for $200/team.  Email the event staff at info@spokanetosandpoint.com if you wish to pay for your volunteers.  Volunteer shifts are typically 4-6 hours in duration. 

3.  VEHICLES:

Vehicles are limited to 20’ long.   Most teams drive vans, passenger vehicles, or suburban type vehicles.  Vehicles are not allowed to stop or impede traffic, nor are they allowed to follow slowly behind the team walking pair.  Only two vehicles are allowed to drive walkers so as to limit race traffic and increase safety.  Vehicles can, and certainly are encouraged, to be decorated.  Team name, logos, runner names, and festive decorations are common.  Be creative and have fun!  Colored vehicle markers will be sold at the Start Area near the Race Merchandising. 

4.  TEAM VEHICLE SIGNS:

At Team Check-In (Start Area) teams will be provided 2 signs for each vehicle.  Please put one “Team Number” sign and the “Walker on Course” sign in your back window.  Please bring tape to secure your signs to your vehicle.

5.  DESIGNATED DRIVER:

Although most teams choose to alternate walkers as drivers, your team is allowed to have a non-walker that you designate as a driver.  You can also carry support personnel if your vehicle has enough legal seatbelts.

6.  REQUIRED TEAM EQUIPMENT:

Each team must have 2 reflective vests and 2 flashlights/headlamps for night walking sections of the course.  At Check-In and Packet Pick-Up please present your vests/flashlights for inspection by race officials.  All team members must wear reflective vests and carry flashlights from 30 minutes before dark until 30 minutes after light.  Your safety is our number one concern.  Please abide by these rules.  Participants will be held at the exchange and not allowed to begin their leg until they have the required night equipment.  Reflective vests will be sold at the Start Area.

7.  WALKER SUPPORT:

During NIGHT sections of the race you are allowed to have bike pacers.  BICYCLE support personnel are required to wear helmets, have reflective vests, and have a red flashing light.  Neither walker is allowed to hop on the bike though…just the pacer!  If not using support crew please make sure to help keep walkers on course by making regular stops at pull outs.  In addition to turn signs, all night walking sections will have flashing lights at all turns along the course.

8.  WALKERS OFF COURSE:

All walkers should study their routes prior to racing.  All turns on the route will be marked with CDA To Sandpoint race signs and reflective flashing lights during night sections.  That being said, it is up to each team to monitor and guide their teammates through the course.  If a walking pair gets off course by taking a wrong turn, the pair is allowed to be returned to the point where he/she took the wrong turn and then resume the race.  It is strongly recommended that night walking pairs carry cell phones to communicate with team mates in the event they get off course.

10.  WALKER SEQUENCE:

We recognize that most teams participating in the Walk Relay are mainly concerned about having a FUN social experience and feeling good about successfully covering the distance.  That being said, this is a timed Event and therefore there are a couple of rules to keep things on a level playing field.  First, unless there is an injury walking pairs are required to A) walk their 3 Legs in the correct order, and B) walk with their walking partner during each Leg.  This means that walking pair # 1 must complete Legs 1, 7, and
13.  In addition, since this is a timed Walk Relay teams are required to walk to maintain fairness.  No jogging, sprinting, 3 legged racing, or unfair galloping.  Exceptions include fleeing from north Idaho moose (ha ha!).

11.  TRANSITION AREAS:

Walkers must hand the wrist wrap off to the next walking pair in the designated transition areas.  Volunteers will record teams as they make exchanges so please make sure your race number is clearly visible.  Please do not park your vehicle in a position near transitions that would hinder the race path of other teams.  All transitions will have access to restrooms. 

12.  VAN DECORATIONS:

We want teams to show Race Spirit by decorating vehicles!  Please keep in mind that sportsmanship, positive slogans/images and arrangements that wouldn’t embarrass your grandmother are appreciated!  Van decorations that are overly suggestive, contain sexual or foul language, or vulgar in content will be asked to be removed. 

13.  CHECK-IN PROCEDURES & START AREA:

Teams should arrive at the START AREA near Higgins Point along Coeur D’ Alene Lake Drive at least 30 minutes before their start time.  Each team must present (or purchase) their safety equipment including two reflective vests and two flashlights/headlamps.  After doing so teams will be issued their Race Goodie Bags which contain a variety of items including CDA Wrist Wraps and CDA To Sandpoint Race Shirts!  Five minutes prior to the start of each wave, team names and numbers will be announced (cheer like middle school students on the last day of school when your team is broadcasted!).  At that point your walking pair should be at the Start Line ready to go!

14.  TEAM WRIST WRAP:

Each team will be issued a Team Wrist Wrap at check-in at the Start area.  Just one walker from each walking pair needs to wear the wrist wrap during their leg.  Wrist wraps need to be handed off in the transition zones at the Exchanges to the next walking pair.

15.  FINISHER ITEMS & TEAM PHOTOS:

The final walkers who complete leg 18 will enter City Beach Park via Lakeview Boulevard.  Once the anchor pair has entered the grass area teams should join them for the final 50 meters of the race and pass through the Finish Arch as a group.  Make sure your anchor pair leads your team to the finish line as your final time will be based on when they cross under the S2S and CDA Finish Banner.  All teams will be announced as they cross the Finish Line and we will definitely strive to make a big deal about your incredible team accomplishment!  Each team member will be awarded a unique CDA To Sandpoint Finisher Medallion. On behalf of the entire Event Staff, we’d like to wish you our most sincere congratulations on finishing the most Scenic and Adventurous Walk Relay Race in the Northwest!  Congratulations!

Please be aware that the route for CDA To Sandpoint crosses several ACTIVE railroad crossings.  A number of these routes are active during night running sections.   We ask that you be especially careful when crossing all railroad tracks.  As we teach our kids…check once, check twice…check thrice!  Runners and drivers must use extreme caution and are prohibited from trying to cross during railway activity.   Keep things in perspective, a three minute wait at a crossings is minimal when you consider this race will take most teams 20+ hours.  Be safe!

The average temperature for the race dates is mid 80’s during the heat of the day and cooler temperatures at night.  Be sure to check predicted forecasts and plan accordingly.  In the event of exceptionally hot weather please make sure to pace your legs that occur during the heat of the day (this means slow down!) and plan to have lots of replenishing fluids available for your walkers.  Dehydration and overheating can be avoided by being properly prepared.  The Relay will be run rain or shine.  However, under drastic weather conditions we reserve the right to delay the start of the event or cancel for runner’s safety.  Conditions that may result in a cancellation include but are not limited to severe electrical storms, snowfall, or violent wind storms.   There will be no refunds given if the Event is cancelled due to weather or other logistical considerations. 

1. Learn the course before you walk.
2. Plan legs based on ability.
3. Consider recruiting a pacer (on bicycle) for night sections if that will help you feel more comfortable.
4. Have cell phones in each Van and make sure they’re charged.  Communication between Vehicles is paramount in this race as you trade turns walking.
5. Have a Car GPS/Navigation system in each vehicle.  These are exceptionally helpful!
6. Help your walkers by periodically stopping at pull outs to make sure they are ok.  Stop at difficult turns to make sure walkers stay on course.  When doing so, you must not block, stop, or impede traffic so please choose safe locations to park your vehicle.   
7. Have a plan if one of your walking pairs accidentally gets off route.  A couple of years ago one of our directors was doing another race and a turn sign was hidden behind a parked car.  He didn’t see it and ended up running 2 miles before his crew got him back on course.  Walking with a cell phone may be helpful during night sections.
8. Bring sleeping gear and try and catch a few hours of rest at the Major Exchanges during your OFF vehicle times.
9. Cheer on and encourage the other teams – offer them water, help, and encouragement if they need it.
10. Bring extra walking clothes, lots of fluids, and warm gear for night.
11. Legs 10 - 17 are in extremely rural locations.   There will not be access to gas stations or restaurants during these legs.  Teams need to be self-sufficient.
12. This race will ultimately be as FUN as your team makes it.  Show some team spirit, cheer on your teammates, and have an outrageous time.  We have provided the platform for a truly unique racing experience; it is up to YOU to make it happen!
     

WILD WIG CONTEST:

This fun Contest simply rocks!  It takes place during Leg 1 (with walking pair #1).  Both walkers for your team are invited to participate.  The rules of this contest are pretty straight forward – bring your best wig to the Start Line and wear it with pride!  It is definitely time to see some rockin’ mullets, cruisin’ afros, jamin’ punkrockers, and runnin’ raninbow heads cruising down the Centennial Trail as they make their way to Exchange #1 at the beautiful beach in Coeur d’ Alene City Beach Park.  Prizes for everyone who participates and Grand Prize for best overall wig.  Remember, the man (or woman) makes the wig – you got to sell it baby!  Have wild fun during this exceptionally breathtaking scenic walk along the shores of Lake CDA!

BRIGHTEST WALKING OUTFIT:

This zany Contest takes place during Leg 3 (which is Walking Pair # 3).  The rules of the contest are simple – put on a bright walking outfit and walk with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair!  Dig out your old hot pink tank top or your lime green early 1990’s running shorts or tights.  Whatever it is, just make sure it is bright in color.  Be creative and have fun.  Participation earns you an automatic prize which will be given to you at the completion of your leg!  All outfits will be judged and best overall outfit wins the Grand Prize as well as bragging rights for this year’s “Brightest Outfit” which will be posted on our website with all other contest winners.

BEST LIGHT SHOW:

The Best Light Show was an idea one of our race directors came up with after training and racing through the night.  The contest takes place during Leg 10 (which is Walking Pair # 4) and will be a night walk under the stars.  Competitors who compete in this contest literally become a walking light show during the 3.6 mile leg.  Use lights any which way you can to make yourself look like a “glowing runner” that will light up the night streets.  Be as creative as you want, but your light arrangement can’t interfere with the vision of oncoming traffic.  Prizes will be given to all who participate as well as Grand Prize for best overall Light Show.  Whether your team enters this contest or not, you still have to abide by CDA to Sandpoint night running rules (flashlight or headlamp and reflective vest).  Have fun!

PATRIOT CONTEST:

What better way to celebrate your final few miles to the Finish in festive Sandpoint than wearing the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!  This contest takes place on the final leg of the Walk Relay, that being Leg 18 (Walking Pair # 6).  Walkers are encouraged to show their Country pride by decorating themselves in our Nations colors.  Face paint, flags, striped socks, USA shirts… let your creativity be displayed as you celebrate the success of your team and the great country this Relay Race is conducted within.  Prizes for everyone who participates as well as Grand Prize for best overall display of patriotism.  Go Team!

VAN-A-RAMA CONTEST:

The team that shows the most race spirit by decorating their vehicle in a most exceptional manner wins the hallowed Van-A-Rama contest.  In addition to the recognition, the winning team will receive $100 OFF next years CDA Walk Relay!  Thanks for showing some Race Spirit with your vehicle!

TEAM SPIRIT AWARD:

Similar to the Van-A-Rama Award, the Team Spirit Award is a team contest given to the team that exhibits the best Team Spirit during the race.  Things that you can do to improve your teams chance of winning this category include team outfits (make ‘em fun!), team cheers, and positive sportsmanship during the race.  We request that participating teams report acts of sportsmanship from other teams that go above and beyond the call of duty to race officials.  The prize for this contest is $250 off Regular Registration for the 2010 CDA to Sandpoint Walk Relay!  We take pride in teams that win this Award and want them to be regular participants year after year.  Thanks for showing positive Team Spirit!

Do we really ride a massive wooden Roller Coaster during this race?  YES!  When the Spokane To Sandpoint Team Relay was being designed we wanted to do something that no other Event had considered.  Therefore we presented the idea of a 185 mile outrageous and outlandish running relay to Silverwood and asked if they’d come onboard.  They enthusiastically said yes and we are grateful to partner with the BEST Theme Park in the Northwest.

At Major Exchange 9 in Silverwood Theme Park there will be ample space to lay out your sleeping pad and bag under the Pavillion while the ‘OFF’ walkers await vanload 1.  Most teams will be arriving at Silverwood around midnight so this will be a night coaster extravaganza!   Each team is only allowed to ride the coaster once and must obey the rules of the Park.  Please respect teams that are trying to recoup a few hours of sleep by keeping your noise at a respectful level …..that is, until you ride the coaster!