The GOMR allows a runner and team members to be a part of something much larger than him or herself. For one weekend you can be a community of runners, from all over the country, experiencing one of the most challenging, and rewarding running events of the year.

Sparta, North Carolina hosts a one of a kind running relay race

In the northwest corner of North Carolina sits Alleghany County and the county seat of Sparta, a town of 2,000 people, and considered the Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But don’t let the friendly people, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful countryside lull you into a false sense of security. The Get Outside Mountain Relay (GOMR) is the creation of local entrepreneur and outdoor advocate Donny McCall. The GOMR is a hard-nosed 210-mile relay race with 36 segments (legs), where teams of up to 12 start on a Friday morning and run continuously, relay style, until they reach the finish line. With 26K feet of elevation gain, and equal loss over the 210-miles, your endurance will be tested over the course of the long weekend of running, camping, and lawn games.

What is the Get Outside Mountain Relay (GOMR) all about?

The GOMR is all about the experience, and innovation is the key to the GOMR difference. Starting Friday June 5, 2020 teams will start the 210-mile relay race from the campus of the Alleghany Wellness Center at intervals based on their team’s projected race pace. Then, race organizer sponsored shuttles will deliver runners out and back from the Exchanges for the “passing of the baton.” Each team will circumvent the “beautifully challenging” 105-mile loop around Alleghany on paved and gravel roads.

Teams can enter into 3 divisions:

1. The Full GOMR: Two loops, 210-miles total, 36 legs, up to 12 people per team, starts Friday morning.
2. The Half GOMR: One loop, 105-miles total, 18 legs, 6 or 9 people, teams can start either Friday morning or late Friday night.
3. The GOMR Ruck: Running or walking with a weighted sack, the ultimate challenge, one loop, 105-miles total, 18 legs, 6 or 9 people, starts Friday morning.

Running is only half of the experience. Unlike the traditional point-to-point relay, all of the teams will be based at a central location, the Alleghany Wellness Center campus, or as known on the race weekend GOMR Village. Bathrooms, showers, massages, games, local artists, sponsors, and food vendors will be set up around the Village for you to shop during your down time. Relax between legs with your teammates, family, other teams, and the local community. You will be sleeping in tents under the stars here and competing for best themed campsite. The GOMR is more than just a race. Ask any of the teams from the prior three years, this is an epic running experience, unlike any of the traditional road races.

GOMR v. Traditional Point-to-Point Relays

No Van Rentals

GOMR is a 105-mile relay loop around Sparta, but you don’t need any vans. No need to rent one or two vans at $250-300 each for the weekend. The race organizers, free of charge to the participants, supply shuttles to and from each of the exchange points. This allows each team to maximize time relaxing in the Village, enjoying the showers, sleeping under the stars, or having a friendly corn-hole competition with the other racing teams. The no-van and free shuttle set up not only saves money but saves the local community from the congestion from upwards of 400 vans on local roads. Similarly, with only 10,000 miles driven over the GOMR weekend instead of 80,000 miles for similar races, the GOMR is the most ecologically friendly road relay race in the US.

The GOMR Central Camping Village

Traditional races rely on sleeping in vans, on the side of the road, occasional hotel, or a friend’s couch. However, the GOMR central camping Village is the heart of the organization and the key to the full GOMR experience. Each team will be setting up their own “camping arena” where they can set up tents, tables, chairs, games, and themed team flare.  Or you could even opt to rent the GOMR BnB and have your campsite set up and ready for your arrival. Runners and family members get to experience the Sparta community that will be hosting, volunteering, and coming out in full support of all of the runners. The village is much more than just a place to sleep; it is the runners’ home for the GOMR weekend.

Priced to Benefit the Racer

At one hundred and seventy dollars ($170) per person until the end of the year ($180 after), the GOMR race is priced at an affordable point. No need to volunteer to guarantee entry, no need to raise money, no need to rent vans, or to compete in a lottery system. All runners of all speeds are welcome.

Supports Local & Small Town Associations

Sparta, NC is a small town with a big heart. Volunteers for the race come from the local community and represent local youth groups, volunteer fire departments, local police forces, volunteer associations, and other non-profits. A portion of the proceeds will help support all of the organizations represented at the race.

Conclusion: Come for the Race Stay for the Community

Any runner can find a local race to attend, but the GOMR is a racing experience. It is tough to define exactly what the GOMR is. A relay? A 210-mile road race? A Village Party? A tour of some of the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, and so much more. The GOMR allows a runner and team members to be a part of something much larger than him or herself. For one weekend you can be a community of runners, from all over the country, experiencing one of the most challenging, and rewarding running events of the year.

Media Contact
Company Name: Get Outside Mountain Relay
Contact Person: Donny McCall
Email: contact@getoutsidemountainrelay.com
Phone: (336) 363 4984
City: Sparta
State: North Carolina
Country: United States
Website: getoutsidemountainrelay.com/