2009 Baker-Vegas Relay Race

It's impossible to really describe what all goes on before the race, during the race and after the race. This year there were 250+ teams. Each team has 20 runners (there are 20 "stages" or legs), substitute runners, drivers, team catchers (to "catch" the runners as they finish their leg), volunteers to help at each stage, support for the team and family! At each stage there are a minimum of 2 motorhomes to set-up the stages and be responsible for the stage, paramedics, radio hams, motorcycle support (they get to be "pretend" cops for the day and offer traffic control) and the team volunteers. Each stage is a buzz of activity!

This year we had to be out of the school parking lot at o'dark thirty so we decided to go out the night before! It worked out well and we were able to get our stage set up in plenty of time for our first runner! Our stage consists of me, Don, Vicki and Steve Terra. We have worked together for 12 years on this stage. This year Rick & Joanne Stone joined us and helped out, although their "designated" job was to be hosts for the motors. The guys on motorcycles need to get off their bikes at some point, and since most don't have refrigerators, etc. strategically located on the course are several hosts who have snacks and drinks.

In my pictures I'm showing...

the radio hams,

medics,

a line of runners coming into our stage (long distance view),

and the view after leaving our stage! Can you imagine running and seeing that "hill" in front of you knowing you had to reach the top of it??

Rick & Joanne hosting one of the motors,

Vicki T. signing in one of the runners

one of the air support units (they used to be on our stage and have now moved north)

one of the runners being caught by his catcher and a medic

vehicles used by the German team (we have/had several international teams)

some more runners coming in (it can get quite congested at times with runners and their follow vehicles)

One of the runners being taken by ambulance to the medical stage for more treatment (and possible air evacuation to either Pahrump or Las Vegas)

One of our stage signs conveniently posted on a historical marker sign!

And finally, it's the end of our stage! Time to relax and have some dinner! We'll head to Las Vegas in the morning! For us, it's the end of the race for another year! For the runners, it's just the beginning!