Running Day and Night: ‘Nado Big Deal’ for Team of Locals

Running the , a 200-mile overnight relay-style race, is “Nado Big Deal” (yes, that's what they call themselves) for the team lead by captain and resident Becky Green.

The 12-member group (which includes Kurt Sauter, a former member of Patch's monthly roundtable, Parent Talk), will split the run as members make their ways down the coast from Orange County.

But first, what does Ragnar stand for? According to the organization’s website:

“The Ragnar Relay Series takes its name from a marauding 9th Century Norse King who fearlessly explored and conquered new lands. Runners competing in Ragnar events share the same free-spirited sense of adventure.”

There are 15 Ragnar Race events across the U.S. This marks the fourth overnight relay race for Southern California.

The race starts Friday in Huntington Beach, passes through Anaheim, Carlsbad, Del Mar and La Jolla, and ends with a big party at the following day.

Carrie Meng, the race director, was already busy setting up the finish line area the week prior to the race. She explained why the organization chose Coronado and what the runners and spectators can expect this weekend.

“We will have music, vendors, food and a beer garden for the runners,” said Meng.

Though the race itself will not be going through Coronado proper, it is the second year the competition will end at the Silver Strand beach.

“Having a beach setting and nice scenery means a lot,” Meng added.

Family, friends, and spectators are welcome to come out and support the teams. However, people will have to take a special shuttle for $10 (cash only) from Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach to the Strand since the parking lots will be closed and the entrance closely monitored.

About 6,700 runners are expected to arrive between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, including a team from Solana Beach who are raising money for the Monarch School in San Diego. One member, according to the Del Mar Times, plans to run 39 miles of the race himself.

The race route will take them down the business road off 
Interstate 5 through Imperial Beach, and then north on the bike path off of state Route 75 to the finish line and the festivities.

Sauter, a father of two boys, has been training hard for this overnight race and advises Coronadans to keep an eye out for the “invasion of crazy runners” about to hit the beach, since teams are encouraged to wear costumes and other distinctive gear for the race.

Good luck team “Nado Big Deal!” 'Nado will be rooting for you!