WILLAMETTE VALLEY RELAY FAQ's

Q. Has the 2006 course changed from the 2005 course?
A. No. We have not made changes to the course 2006.

We did significntly alter the 2004 course in 2005. As a result of these changes, the course has been shortened to 135 miles (from 140 in 2004). Despite the slightly shorter course, we have almost 42 miles of new trail. We will be further north, crossing near Gervais on an overpass with neither on-ramp nor off-ramp. In addition, we have made a significant course change entering Albany.

Q. Will there be more volunteers?
We will have more signage and volunteers on the course. Besides team volunteers provided, we are actively recruiting additional volunteers. We have vehicle support on the course and are looking to having motorcycle support as well during the night this year. Please visit www.wondersofwalking.com for the most up-to-date relay and course information.

Q. How long are the legs?
A. The legs for the 2006 course vary in length from 3.0 miles to 8.8 miles, with an average length of 5.8 - 6.4 miles.

Q. What rules apply to how many legs each team member must walk?
A. We offer three divisions 1) Competitive division for corporate, men, women or mixed with 4 age divisions; 2) 8-person competitive Men, Women and Mixed; 3) Non-competitive Walk Our Way.

The competitive teams abide by a consistent sequential rotation of walkers. Teams of 10 - 12 are divided into two vans with major exchange areas at Staging Area 6, 12, & 18. Teams of 8 may choose to use only one van. The Walk Our Way teams may mix up the order of walkers, and in some cases one walker may walk only a portion of a leg, with another walker doing the remainder. This is to encourage walkers of all ability levels.

Q. Does the relay run overnight?
A. Yes, however, there are resting times and places. The first group of teams will depart from Champoeg State Park on July 14th at 5:00AM, with groups of teams then leaving every 20 minute until 10:00AM. Teams will walk continuously to the finish celebration in Eugene. After those in Van 1 finish their legs, they will rest until it is time to begin again upon the completion of Van 2. There are several hours of resting time. Sarah Helmick Park is a the designated resting area near Staging area #12. The next major resting area, #18, is Peoria Boat Ramp or the Mennonite School 6 miles down the road.

Q. Will there be lights along the way?
A. The only lights are those provided by the communities through the towns. Every walker is to carry an illumination device, either a flashlight or light weight head lamp, and wear a reflective vest. In some Staging Areas we are permitted to use generators to provide lighting, in others we are not. We have vehicle support throughout the entire course and are looking to having motorcycle support as well.

Q. Are there food stops along the way or should we bring our own food?
A. The adjacent roads have food service in a variety of forms. These are limited on the roads we are traveling. There may be some fundraising opportunity for communities. We will provide information as it becomes available to us by posting on web site www.wondersofwalking.com. You may choose to bring your food or to leave the course to find food. I, personally, would bring food as part of the adventure.

Q. What is walking vs. racewalking vs. jogging?
A. When walking, the leg is relaxed and the knee fairly straight as it passes under the body. As you start to walk faster, some people tend to bend their knees to pick up speed. “Walkers” can walk at a very leisurely pace up to a very brisk stride. Racewalkers, are identified by their straight leg, wiggle and rapid foot turnover. By definition, walking is one foot is to be on the ground at all times. A fast racewalker can walk 7 – 8 minute miles. This is not jogging. When jogging, at one point both feet are off the ground. These are the two distinctions between racewalking and jogging – both may be going the same pace, but racewalkers will have: 1) a straight knee when the leg passes under the hip, and 2) one foot on the ground at all times.

Q. What is the procedure if a walker is seen ‘running’ during the event?
A. The Willamette Valley Relay (and all Wonders of Walking events) are designated walk-only events. To preserve the integrity of this event, it is important to file a ‘protest’ for the Rules Committee to review. Each team packet contains a protest form with instructions on how to submit. We want these events to be fair for all participants and adhere to the basic foundation of Wonders of Walking events – Events for Walkers by Walkers. Please see the question above regarding racewalking to ensure there is no confusion on this technique of walking.

Q. Why do we have to be so precise about our estimated times?
A. The success of this event is contingent upon the information provided by you, the team members and captains. Equipment and staff are placed on the course based on the per-mile pace submitted by teams. Accurate information is necessary for your safety, convenience and enjoyment. Each team member must accept responsibility to provide the captain with accurate times. We suggest you go to a track and time how fast you walk 3 miles (12-times around the track). Keep in mind, adrenaline kicks in as does excitement to just be out there! Thus, there is a high likelihood you will be faster and stronger. Captain’s please monitor your team members’ times and notify us of changes until mid- June via by contacting email info@wondersofwalking.com or phone 503.282.1677. Do not expect reply. You have done your part.

Q. Are there any legs that will not have van access?
A. As of now, all stages do have van access.

Q. Are there staggered start times?
A. It is our intention to have staggered start times beginning at 4:00AM and every 20 minutes after that until 10:00AM.

Q. How many volunteers are required or needed?
A. Each team is required to provide a minimum of three (3) volunteers.
Additional volunteers are most welcome. An event of this magnitude needs many volunteers along the entire course. The more volunteers, the shorter the shifts!

Q. Where do I find volunteers?
A. Ask family members, friends and/or co-workers. Basic requirements are to be at least 18 years old, be able to stand for a 3-5 hour shift, and be responsible. If your volunteers don't work their assigned shifts, your team will be disqualified. Lack of shift coverage from "no show"
volunteers, will cause extra burden for other volunteers.

Q. What do the volunteers do?
A. Volunteers help this fun event run smoothly. From the start, to the finish, and everywhere along the course, they make sure all participants know where they are going. Safety and fun are the primary concern!

Q. How do the volunteers know what to do?
A. All captains will receive their volunteer assignments at the Captain's Meeting. Volunteers will be required to attend one of the two mandatory training sessions, to learn about their assignment and what is expected of them. For a listing of all the important dates, please visit here.

Q. Are there porta potties at each exchange?
A. Yes, there will be porta potties at each exchange.

Q. What is the projected finish time in Eugene?
A. Projected finish times will depend on the average pace of the team.

Q. Will there be any post race activities at the end of the race course?
A. Most definitely. The finish line festivities are still being planned. The awards ceremony will begin shortly after 6:00PM. Before then, we will have live music, games and raffles while you rest and recuperate. If there is something you would like to see at the finish celebration, please let us know through the “contact us” link on this site.

Q. Is there a deadline for team registration?
A. Yes, the early deadline for registration is May 15, 2006. Registrations postmarked May 16 – June first are required to pay an additional $100. We can no accept registrations after June 1, 2005.

Q. Who is the charity beneficiary?
A. Providence Brain Institute receives a portion of the proceeds.

Q. Will we get our money back if this race does not have enough teams?
A. The Willamette Valley Relay will take place. We have no expectation of this event not going through, given the overwhelming interest to date. However, should an’ act of God’ or other unforeseeable event occur beyond our control the registration fee is non-refundable.