Tobacco Road Relay

Thank YOU 2025 Runners!

April 25, 2026...Registration Opens October 1, 2025!

What is the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY?

The Tobacco Road Relay is a tour of North Carolina's Triangle, its beautiful cities, historic and protected greenways, single track trails, roads less traveled and roads often traveled.  It's a day of challenge, adventure and memories for you and your best friends.

The Tobacco Road Relay is a one day, 75-mile relay-style running race.  Teams of 2-6 runners navigate the 75-mile course, which begins in Chapel Hill, runs through Durham to the finish in Raleigh.  The course is divided into 12 legs (6 runners = 2 legs/runner), with each leg ranging in distance from 4.2 - 9.6 miles.  Teams are permitted one team vehicle to navigate between exchange zones and to carry their inactive runners, food, water, sports drinks, first aid, ice and other needed supplies.

The diverse course showcases the Triangle:

• Residential neighborhoods of Chapel Hill

• Country roads as the race progresses from Orange County to Durham County

• Eno River State Park single track trails

• Ellerbee Creek Trail as the race progresses into downtown Durham

• Downtown Durham

• American Tobacco Trail from downtown Durham to Wake County

• White Oak Creek Greenway and Blackcreek Greenway as the race navigates through Apex and Cary

• Umstead State Park's dirt Old Reedy Creek Road

• Reedy Creek Trail and Rocky Branch Trail to navigate over and under the busy roads of Raleigh

• And... cap it all off with the Finish at the Tobacco Road Brewery in downtown Raleigh!
  

When is the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY?

Saturday, April 25, 2026

What time does the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY start?

Rather than a mass start like most races, the Tobacco Road Relay will start in waves.  Waves of approximately 10 runners (teams) will start every 10-15 minutes.  Using a staggered start will minimize the race impact along the course and will keep the event within an approximate 5 hour spread.  Start times may range from 5:00am - noon.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin.

This is just a sample, suggested list of items to bring (but by no means is it all inclusive).

To view a sample Supply List, please click on the pdf icon below.

The Runners Forum is a Facebook group called Tobacco Road Relay Runners Forum.  If your team is looking for a runner, if you're a runner looking for a team, looking for TRR advice, etc... this is the place to drop a note to other TRR runners and teams.  Please note that all posts require approval from the site administrator.  Please CLICK HERE to link. Thank you.

Blue Ridge Endurance hosts the following unique events.  We hope you'll join us.

Blue Ridge Relay is a 208-mile relay-style running race.  After the Start in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA at an elevation of 4920', teams of 4-12 runners follow the course through the back roads and small towns of Virginia and North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Each team will navigate the 36 Legs of the BRR course as they race to the Finish in Asheville, NC.  Hope you'll join us for BRR2026, our 22nd consecutive year.  "Should be found on every Southern runner's must-do list!"  Friday-Saturday, September 11-12, 2026!

The New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K showcases the beauty of the New River valley in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  The New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers, is framed with views of horse farms, Christmas tree farms, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the spectacular surrounding river valley.  "Only Big Sur rivals the beauty of the New River course!"  Helene hit the New River Valley hard, but recovery includes bringing back events to this beautiful region in NC's Coolest Corner.  Friday-Saturday, May 15-16, 2026.

Tobacco Road Relay is a 75-mile, one day relay held in the charming Triangle of North Carolina.  Teams of 2-6 runners will Start in Chapel Hill, run through Durham and Finish in Raleigh.  The course, which is divided into 12 Legs, captures the beauty and diversity of the Triangle, and includes greenways, single track trails, state parks, city streets, American Tobacco Trail and quiet residential neighborhoods.  Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Congratulations!

Welcome to the Tobacco Road Relay and congratulations on being selected / nominated / elected / volunteered...or however you've stepped into the role as "CAPTAIN" for your squad.  Thank you for filling this critical role.  All communication, such as email updates, between your team and the Tobacco Road Relay will go through you.  You'll be responsible to share the information with your team.  In addition, you'll be your team lead at packet pick-up and our point of contact (if needed) during the race.  The best leaders delegate, so don't hesitate to spread the planning duties among your fellow teammates.  The Captain's Corner page is a brief overview only.  Please reference the full website for all details and please contact TRR at any time if we could assist.

Communication

Once a team is registered, all communication between the team and the Tobacco Road Relay must go through the Team Captain. It is the Team Captain's responsibility to share all applicable information with team members.

Team Seeding

Teams with a 10K seed slower than 10:20/mile should communicate with the race director prior to registration.  The race course and finish line will close Saturday at 8:00 PM.

Team Handbook

The TEAM HANDBOOK with course updates, etc. will be available on-line approximately 4 weeks before the Relay.  It is the captain's responsibility to make sure each team member gets a copy. Course maps can be printed from the website. Last minute course changes do happen. Course/Leg changes will be emailed to captains, within 2 days of race day. All changes made the Wednesday prior to the race, will also be distributed at time of Packet Pick-up and Sign-in. 

Team Check-in

1. Team Waiver submission.  Runners are required to sign the TRR Waiver during their on-line registration.  Therefore, a paper copy of the waiver does not need to be submitted at the Start.
   

2. Runner Order submission.  This is the only document, RUNNER ORDER (pdf), that must be submitted at the time of Team Check-in.  All runners must be listed in their running sequence and this sequence must be followed from Start to Finish.  The exception may be Random teams if they choose to switch legs during TRR.  Race Bibs, as listed on the Runner Order, must be issued to and worn by the respective runners.

3. Race bib issue.  Every runner is required to wear a bib on their front while running.

4. TRR T-shirt issue.

5. Vehicle inspection: all vehicles will be inspected upon entry to the Start Line.  Vehicles will be inspected for appropriate size and appropriateness of decorations.

Check-in Options

Option 1: tbd

Option 2: Start line - teams may check-in at the starter's tent a minimum of 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time.  

Food and Beverages

Teams are required to carry their own food, beverage,  first aid and other supplies. 

First Aid

Each support vehicle should carry a well-stocked first aid kit and ice. Be prepared to know how to use it. Tobacco Road Relay is not responsible for providing First Aid supplies.

Weather Conditions

Please be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

Please use the information below to contact the Tobacco Road Relay.

Race Director

Ken Sevensky

Telephone

(336) 877-8888
(Please note that this phone # is the land line for the offices of Blue Ridge Enduranace Ltd and Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture.)

E-mail

ken@tobaccoroadrelay.com

Mailing Address

Blue Ridge Endurance
Attn: Tobacco Road Relay
2385 Big Flatts Church Road
Fleetwood, NC 28626

IMPORTANT:

Runners must comply with traffic laws, use sidewalks when available and indicated, cross roads using crosswalks at intersections, cross when permitted at crosswalks, etc...  Yes, time may be lost at certain intersections as you wait at a crosswalk and your timing may be perfect at other crosswalks.  Your safety and the safety of those in the community is paramount.  When on Greenways/footpaths run on the right, yield to horses and share the trail with other users.

The course maps and cue sheets are current for 2025 and may need to be updated prior to TRR2026.

Maps:

When viewing the interactive maps (the full course and individual legs from the tables below), you can highlight a section of the course to view a more detailed elevation chart of that section.  To view a more detailed section:

• Move your cursor along the x-axis (mileage) of the elevation graph.  Mileage, elevation, and % grade will be displayed.

• Click and hold a beginning point on the elevation graph.  Drag your cursor and highlight the segment/distance that you wish to view in greater detail.

• When you release your mouse, the highlighted segment will be displayed.

• To return to the full graph, single click “De-Select”.

Course Map: (Course Map link is active.)

To view an interactive map of the full course CLICK HERE.  This map is for a full course overview only.  For leg details, please reference the other information in Leg Maps below and the printable maps on the PRINT MAPS page.

Cue Sheets

The Cue Sheets associated with ridewithgps and plotaroute may be accurate and helpful.  However, you are encouraged to use the "printable turn-by-turn cue sheet that is available on the CUE SHEET PRINT page.

Exchange Zone Maps

A birds-eye view of the exchange zones is available on the EZ MAPS PRINT page.  Details include runner flow, team van flow, parking, restrooms and other notes.

Leg Maps: ridewithgps.com

To view an interactive map of a specific leg, click on the leg below and you will be taken to ridewithgps.com.  These interactive maps are fantastic for runners to look at landmarks, road intersections, elevation changes, etc…  If you use the cue sheets that are associated with these maps, please cross-reference with our TRR Cue Sheets, as noted above.  Our 2 favorite Map Views are Google Hybrid and RWGPS Cycle.  For Leg 3, we highly recommend RWGPS Cycle, because of the additional detail for the single track in Eno River State Park.  The plotaroute version of Leg 3 has additional notes.

Leg Maps: plotaroute.com

To view an interactive map of a specific leg, click on the leg below and you will be taken to plotaroute.com.  These interactive maps are fantastic for runners to look at landmarks, road intersections, elevation changes, etc…  If you use the cue sheets that are associated with these maps, please cross-reference with our TRR Cue Sheets, as noted above.  Leg 3 has additional notes for the single track in Eno River State Park.   

This page is current with 2025 course information and may need to be updated prior to TRR2026.

Introduction

Driving the Tobacco Road Relay course requires preparation, planning, precision and perception.  The preparedness of the team driver(s) greatly impacts the experience of the team, the efficiency of the Tobacco Road Relay and the safety of all involved.

1. Non-running driver and co-pilot are suggested.  However, some teams prefer to do the driving themselves.  The team vehicle will not always follow the course, so a co-pilot will be extremely valuable to help navigate .

2. Know the course, the rules, the driver handbook and the team handbook.

3. If you don’t like runner food, be prepared with your own food and beverages (non-alcoholic).

4. Have a plan with your team, just in case you need to nap (alternate drivers).

Preparation and Planning

Drive the Course Before the Race?  If you can’t drive the course in advance:

1. Thoroughly review the maps and cue sheets (listed below on this page).

   • Some Driver Maps will follow the course.

   • Some Driver Maps will navigate around Restricted Roads and greenways.

2. Identify exchange zones (and areas where more time will be required).

3. Know the difficult parking areas and plan accordingly.

4. Be aware of the roads that are more remote and those that may involve heavier traffic.

5. Know locations for gas, groceries, supplies and additional restrooms are located.

Driver Handbook

CLICK HERE for a printable (pdf) copy of the Driver Handbook.

Driver Cue Sheets

CLICK HERE for a printable (pdf) copy of Driver Cue Sheets. 

Driver Maps (to navigate around restricted roads)

The Tobacco Road Relay:

• Does not add any additional hidden volunteer fees!

• Does not require teams to recruit volunteers!

Team of 4-6 Runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $555/team through January 31.
Team of 4-6 Runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $615/team February 1 - March 30.

Team of 2-3 Runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $300/team through January 31.
Team of 2-3 Runners: 2026 Entry Fee = $330/team February 1 - March 30.

Runner Entry Fee: $0 through March 30.
Runner Late Entry Fee: $15 March 31 - April 25.

(An online processing fee will also be applied.)

If you'd like to consider purchasing Entry Fee Insurance through a 3rd party, please review this information on RegShield before you register your team.  RegShield is an optional insurance that you can purchase at the time of entry.  Please review the complete RegShield information before opting to purchase.  Purchasing RegShield does not nullify the Tobacco Road Relay Team Withdrawal / Refund policy.  If you choose to purchase RegShield, all communication and decisions regarding reimbursement of your entry fee will be through and by RegShield.

The Tobacco Road Relay is a combination road/greenway/trail race where a team of 2-6 runners (along with 1 vehicle/van) will rotate through 12 legs (11 exchange zones) as they run 75 miles from the start in Chapel Hill to the finish line in Raleigh, NC. For teams of 6 runners, each relay team member runs 2 legs (4 runners per team = 3 legs per runner) of varying lengths and difficulty and will cover an average total distance of ~12.5 miles. Your team will be on the course from anywhere from 7 to 13 hours. The runners rotate in a set order once the race begins and will be obligated to follow this rotation until the final runner finishes.  However, the Random Category allows runners to rotate in any order and run consecutive legs.

Each Tobacco Road Relay team is self-supporting, which means that they will provide their own food, water, sports drink and first aid items.

2026 Registration is Open!

1. Your team’s registration constitutes agreement to comply with Tobacco Road Relay Rules and Penalties.  Please CLICK HERE for a complete listing of the Rules and Penalties or visit the Rules and Penalties tab on the drop-down menu of Team Information.

2. Team Captain will register the Team and pay the Team Entry Fee during registration.

3. The Team Captain has the option of creating a Team Password.  If a Team Password is created, then the Captain must share the Password with his/her Team.  Each Runner will be then be required to enter the Password before joining the Team.  A Team Password is not required and Team data will not be exposed if a Password is not used.

4. After the Captain completes the Team Registration, he/she will invite the Team Members to register.  The Captain must share the Team Name and Team Password (if a Password is created) with his/her Team Members.

5. The Team Captain must be a member of the team.  Once a team is registered, all communication between the team and the Tobacco Road Relay must go through the Team Captain. It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to share all applicable information with team members.

6. Please choose a Team Name that is appropriate for public announcement/media (i.e. no profanity, obscenity, etc…). If a team name is determined to be inappropriate, the team captain will be notified by the Blue Ridge Relay, with a request for name change.

7. If a Team decides to change their Team Name, the Captain can update the Team Name through March 30.
   

8. A team must be composed of a minimum 2 runners and a maximum of 6 runners. Any number of runners between 2 and 6 is acceptable.  Regardless of the number of runners on your team, the slowest pace during TRR is 10:20/mile.  Teams must hit established cut-off times at the exchange zones.  Teams that fall behind the cut-off times will be advanced one or more legs.
   

9. “Team 10K Average” is the “Team Seed” for your team.  (As your Team evolves, your Team Seed can be updated through March 31, 2025.)
   

   • This is NOT your estimated race pace for TRR nor your past race pace for TRR.

   • This is the actual 10K average for your current team for an average 10K. This must be accurate to ensure an appropriately seeded start time.

   • When setting Start Times, TRR pads each Team Seed to account for the number of runners on each team, the TRR course, running multiple legs, single track in Eno River State Park, traffic, etc...

   • Please enter average pace per mile (e.g. 8:00/mile).

   • Start times for all teams are primarily based upon the 10K seed time. Therefore, the accuracy of your 10K seed time is critical to your BRR experience.

   • Start time requests will NOT be accepted.  Please do not “sandbag” your times (refer to Rules and Penalties).

Team Handbook

The Team Handbook is a summary of many of the Tobacco Road Relay details.  Click on TEAM HANDBOOK for a printable copy.  The Handbook is not extensive...other information on this website, such as Rules, Cue Sheets (Runners and Drivers), Map Links (Runners and Drivers), Exchange Zone Maps, etc... will greatly add to the value of your TRR experience.

Team Waiver

When each runner completes his/her on-line registration, the waiver is required to be signed.  Therefore, a team waiver is not required to be submitted at the Start.

Runner Order

At Packet Pick-up please submit your team's Runner Order.  We like to know who is running which Leg for both safety concerns and to categorize teams/results.  Click on RUNNER ORDER for a printable copy. 

*TRR has a 120 team cap. Additional information can be found on the Wait List and Team Withdrawal / Refund pages.

Thanks for running!  It's always a pleasure to be your host.

We greatly appreciate Capital City Camera Club for spending the day with us and for making these photos available.  Please Click Here to follow the link to the 2023 Photos.

We greatly appreciate Capital City Camera Club for spending the day with us and for making these photos available.  Please Click Here to follow the link to the 2024 Photos.

We greatly appreciate Capital City Camera Club and Chapel Hill Camera Club for spending the day with us and for making these photos available.  Please Click Here to follow the link to the 2025 Photos.

IMPORTANT:

Runners must comply with traffic laws, use sidewalks when available and indicated, cross roads using crosswalks at intersections, cross when permitted at crosswalks, etc...  Yes, time may be lost at certain intersections as you wait at a crosswalk and your timing may be perfect at other crosswalks.  Your safety and the safety of those in the community is paramount.  When on Greenways/footpaths run on the right, yield to horses and share the trail with other users.

The Maps for 2023 are current.

Leg Chart

To view a printable Leg Chart, please click the link below: 
Leg Chart (pdf)

Exchange Zone Maps

To view a printable birds-eye view of the exchange zones, please click the link below.
EXCHANGE ZONE MAPS (pdf)

Cue Sheets

To view a printable turn-by-turn cue sheet for the full course, please click the link below.
CUE SHEET (pdf)

Pre-Relay

Start Times:

1. Your start time will be based on your team seed, number of runners on your team and race management's desired race flow.  Yes, a 10 min/mile seeded team will start earlier in the day than a 5 min/mile seeded team, but other than that fact, start times may not be sequentially based on team seed.

2. Start times may range from 5:00am - noon.

3. Waves of up to 10 teams will typically start every 10-15 minutes.

4. Once established, start times will not be adjusted, unless your team experiences a radical change...then we could talk.

5. If you have a brother/sister team and you'd like to start together, please contact us via our Contact page information.  These requests are much better received when brother/sister teams are like seeded and have the same number of runners.

Packet Pick-Up:

1. Pre-relay packet pick-up options are being explored for 1-2 days in advance of race day.

2. Packet pick-up will be available at the Start a minimum of 30 minutes before your assigned start wave.

3. Items that you'll receive at packet pick-up include:

   • race bibs: team # followed by runner #s 1-7 (#7 is for your team's dashboard)

   • safety pins

   • Tobacco Road Relay shirts (Shirts will not be exchanged for different sizes at the Start.  If extra shirts exist, it may be possible to swap your unworn, clean, pristine shirt at the Finish.)

   • team baton (slap bracelet).

Race Day

Start Line:

1. The Start Line is at the Orange County Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill.  As you enter the drive off of Homestead Rd, you'll continue past the Seymour Center.

2. Packet Pick-up:

   • If you need to pick-up your team packet, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.

   • If you already picked-up your team packet, arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time and check-in at the Officials' Tent.

3. Start waves will start on time to the second, based on our watch (which might not match up exactly with your watch).  If you arrive late or your lead runner is sleeping in the van or lead runner is still in the porta-john, your team can start after checking in at the Start...but the clock will have started at your scheduled start time.

4. Your team must start at their scheduled start time.  We will not make exceptions for earlier (or later) start time requests.

Race Bibs:

1. Are to be worn on the front and in runner sequence.

2. Each bib/runner will be identified with numbers such as "69 - 3".  Team # (69) - Runner # (3).

Race Start:

1. Waves of approximately 10 teams will start every 10-15 minutes.

2. Once your lead runner starts, the in-active runners will jump in your team van, play your team's fight song and continue to get pumped for a day of competition, adventure and fun.  Your team van will drive ahead to the first exchange zone.

Race Flow:

1. Roads are open to normal community traffic.  Runners must comply with all pedestrian traffic laws including:

   • Run on the left facing traffic, unless otherwise instructed in the Leg Map.

   • Use sidewalks when available.  Be courteous and yield to other pedestrians.

   • Cross at crosswalks on the green light or with the crosswalk signal.

   • Run defensively at all times (cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc... are bigger than you).

   • When on greenways, run on the right, yield to horses, pass pedestrians on left and call out "runner on the left" before passing.

2. The team van must follow the provided Driver Maps between exchange zones.  There are sections of the course that the vans cannot drive including some residential neighborhoods, greenways and other restricted areas.

3. The team van will arrive at the exchange zone in front of the the active runner, allowing the next runner time to warm-up.

4. Exchange zones will be staffed with race officials who will direct the runners, direct parking and apply the race rules.

5. Incoming runner will pass the baton (slap bracelet) to the next runner...and the next runner is off.

6. Team vehicles are permitted to remain in the exchange zone for a limit of 10 minutes, allowing the runner time to cool-down.  The team vehicle must then depart and travel to the next exchange zone.

7. This pattern is repeated until your team arrives at the FINISH!

Thank you for running.  It was a great pleasure to be your host!

Thank you for running.  It was a great pleasure to be your host!

Thank you for running with us in 2025!  It was a pleasure to be your host.

The Tobacco Road Relay is running through multiple municipalities, through several counties and along a variety of roads and greenways.  You will be running on roads that are open to normal community traffic, on sidewalks with other pedestrians and on greenways with horses, cyclists, runners and walkers.  We have 3 types of rules…and all must be followed.  Violation of these rules could jeopardize someone’s safety, could disrupt the flow of the race and could jeopardize the future of TRR.

1.    Safety: for runners, volunteers, staff and community…always #1 priority!
2.    Logistics: Navigate from Start to Finish…efficiently!
3.    Courtesy:  We want to be welcomed back next year!

Runners

You will be running on a course open to normal community traffic.  Your safety and the safety of the community must be your first priority.  It is critical that runners comply with all traffic laws. Including:

1. Runners must cross roads at crosswalks only, on the green or when the pedestrian signal permits.  Yes, you may lose a little time waiting for a favorable light, but all runners must be in compliance and we figure that any delays will balance.

2. Runners are to run along the Left shoulder of the roadway at all times unless officially instructed otherwise by a Relay Official or listed on the course/leg map.

3. Runners must use sidewalks when available and when leg map instructs.  Sidewalks are open to community pedestrians, please be courteous and patient.

4. DOT requires runners (pedestrians) to yield to vehicles.

5. When running on Greenways:

   • Run on the Right

   • Horses have the right-of-way

   • When approaching pedestrians from behind, vocalize "passing on your left"

   • When approaching pedestrians from behind, pass on the Left

For a Complete List of Rules:

Please print and complete your team's Run Order before arriving at the Start.

Team Captain: When you want to manage your personal Tobacco Road Relay registration, your Team's registration or Team Roster, please follow the simple steps below.  The confirmation emails that you received also contain links to manage these items.

Runner: When you want to manage your personal Tobacco Road Relay registration, please follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Click on your profile icon.

Step 2: Click on Profile

Step 3: Manage your personal and team registration, and edit your group.

1. A team may withdraw it’s entry and receive a refund if (and only if) the Tobacco Road Relay reaches 120 teams and the Tobacco Road Relay has a wait list.

2. A request for team withdrawal must be received by Thursday, March 19, 2026 in order to be considered for a refund.

3. Team withdrawal requests after March 19, 2026 are not eligible for a refund and the entry fee may not be applied to another year.

4. Entry fees are non-refundable and the team is non-transferable to another year.  If the course is changed, if the race is cancelled, or if the event time is changed due to circumstances beyond race management control, such as act of nature, severe weather, pandemic, war or act of terrorism there are no refunds or transfers to subsequent years.

What if it's raining on race day?

Tobacco Road fans are hardy, resilient and not effected by the weather ... you're known to not only wear face paint, but body paint in torrential rains, freezing temperatures, snow and of course...when it's sunny and 80 degrees.  The Tobacco Road Relay will run in a wide range of weather conditions and in general the race will not be cancelled for inclement weather.  However, in the event of severe race day weather, the Tobacco Road Relay will seek and follow the advice of County and City Emergency Management.  Our primary concern is participant safety, community safety and emergency response.  Weather which may impact the race day event schedule may include, but not limited to: sustained heavy rains that severely limits visibility, sustained heavy rains that leads to flooding during the event, lightning, tornado, extreme fog or other severe weather event.  If race day weather does not impact the event schedule, a notification will not be posted.

Thank YOU 2025 Runners!

April 25, 2026...Registration is Open!

What is the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY?

The Tobacco Road Relay is a tour of North Carolina's Triangle, its beautiful cities, historic and protected greenways, single track trails, roads less traveled and roads often traveled.  It's a day of challenge, adventure and memories for you and your best friends.

The Tobacco Road Relay is a one day, 75-mile relay-style running race.  Teams of 2-6 runners navigate the 75-mile course, which begins in Chapel Hill, runs through Durham to the finish in Raleigh.  The course is divided into 12 legs (6 runners = 2 legs/runner), with each leg ranging in distance from 4.2 - 9.6 miles.  Teams are permitted one team vehicle to navigate between exchange zones and to carry their inactive runners, food, water, sports drinks, first aid, ice and other needed supplies.

The diverse course showcases the Triangle:

• Residential neighborhoods of Chapel Hill

• Country roads as the race progresses from Orange County to Durham County

• Eno River State Park single track trails

• Ellerbee Creek Trail as the race progresses into downtown Durham

• Downtown Durham

• American Tobacco Trail from downtown Durham to Wake County

• White Oak Creek Greenway and Blackcreek Greenway as the race navigates through Apex and Cary

• Umstead State Park's dirt Old Reedy Creek Road

• Reedy Creek Trail and Rocky Branch Trail to navigate over and under the busy roads of Raleigh

• And... cap it all off with the Finish at the Tobacco Road Brewery in downtown Raleigh!
  

When is the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY?

Saturday, April 25, 2026

What time does the TOBACCO ROAD RELAY start?

Rather than a mass start like most races, the Tobacco Road Relay will start in waves.  Waves of approximately 10 runners (teams) will start every 10-15 minutes.  Using a staggered start will minimize the race impact along the course and will keep the event within an approximate 5 hour spread.  Start times may range from 5:00am - noon.

As a USATF Sanctioned Event, the Tobacco Road Relay is required to comply with USATF standards, including the U.S. Center for SafeSport: Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies.  Please join us in creating a safe and rewarding athletic environment for our children and youth, and runners of all ages and abilities.

1. Once the 120 team field cap has been reached, teams may be added to the wait list.

2. To be added to the wait list, a team’s registration must be complete, which includes submitting your team’s entry and entry fee.

3. The team captain will receive email confirmation of Wait List status.  If a team chooses to be removed from the Wait List, the team captain will receive 100% refund of the entry fee.

4. If your team receives entry, your team roster must be submitted according to the guidelines outlined on the Your Team Roster page.

5. All wait listed teams will be notified of their entry status no later than Friday, March 20, 2026.  If a wait listed team is not accepted into the field, the team captain will be issued 100% refund of the entry fee.

Captains:

1. Captains will register the team and pay the Team Entry Fee during registration.

2. Captain must be member of the Team.

3. After the Captain completes the Team Registration, he/she will invite the Team Members to register.

4. The Captain can delete runners from the Team Roster, but the Captain cannot add runners to the Roster.

5. The Captain can update Team Name, Team Seed and Number of Runners through March 30, 2026.

6. Your Team Roster must be completed by March 30, 2026.

7. Team Members who do not register by March 30 will be required to pay a $15 late fee, which will be applicable March 31 - Race Start.

8. Team Members can be deleted / added / substituted up to Team Check-in at The Start.

Team Members:

1. After your Captain registers your team, each Team Member can then Join the Team.

2. Team Member entry fee = $0 through March 30, 2026.

3. To register after March 30, 2026 Team Members will be assessed a $15 Late Fee when registering.

4. Team Members can be added up to Team Check-in at The Start.

5. Team Members who register after March 30 cannot be guaranteed a correct shirt size or a TRR2026 shirt.

Substitutions / Additions / Deletions:

1. Deleting a runner after March 30 does not require the $15 fee.

2. After March 30, teams can substitute and add runners.  A $15 fee per roster change is required.

3. Team bags will be packed by Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Therefore, shirt sizes in your team bag will reflect your team roster as of August 17 and may not reflect the shirt sizes of the runners registered after this date.
   

4. Substitutions/Additions made after March 30 cannot be guaranteed a correct t-shirt size.  Extra shirts in all sizes are ordered in anticipation of roster changes and 95% of the time we're able to match the shirt size of the new runner.

To view a printable birds-eye view of the exchange zones, please click the link below.

To view a printable Leg Chart, please click the pdf icon below:

To view a printable turn-by-turn cue sheet for the full course, please click the link below.

2025 Start Times by Time of Day

Looking forward to seeing you at The Start!