RAAM

The Race across America is one of the most respected and longest running annual endurance events in the world. It is one of the pinnacles of sporting accomplishment, globally seen as the highest rung of the ultra-endurance sports ladder. Since 1982, RAAM has a rich and storied history standing as a monument to human endeavours.

2009 General Race Information - the 28th Edition

•          Start: Oceanside, CA - The Oceanside Pier. Women June 16th, Men June 17th, Teams June 20th.

•          Finish: Annapolis, MD - The City Dock. June 26th - June 29th.

•          Route: More than 3,000 miles across the United States.

•          Divisions: Solo and Two-Person, Four-Person, and Eight-Person Teams.

RAAM is a Race of Truth

This is a Race. Unlike other famous races, like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. The race is one stage, live to the very end. In RAAM, once the clock starts on the west coast, the clock doesn't stop until each racer reaches the finish line on the east coast. RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France and solo racers finish in half the time with no rest days. The race format is essentially a time trial, commonly called racing against the clock or the race of truth. Unlike the Tour de France, there is no drafting or taking shelter from the wind. It's an all out solo challenge.

Solo and Team

The heart of the race is the Solo division. That is where the ultimate challenge lies. The race has team categories of 2-Person, 4-Person, and 8-Person teams. With an 8-Person team, each person averages three hours a day on the bike.

3,000 Miles

The route is over 3000 miles, touching 14 states and climbing over 100,000 feet. Teams typically cross the country in 6 to 9 days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles per day. Solo racers finish in 9 to 12 days, averaging 250 to 350 miles per day. Teams have a relay format and race 24 hours a day. Solo racers have the challenge of balancing a few hours of sleep each night against race deadlines.

Participants

The men and women who compete, as soloists or as team participants, are dedicated and driven athletes. The racers are comprised from an international field of professionals from all walks of life. They range in age from 18 to over 70 and each has a story to tell of their life and how they came to the race.

Is it a Charity?

More than half of the racers use RAAM as a platform and event to raise funds for various charities. In each of the past four years, racers raised more than $1,000,000.

Why RAAM?

Because it's there was George Mallory's answer, as to why climb Mt. Everest.

RAAM has a similar draw. RAAM is more than a bike race. It is about ordinary people being great. It's about realizing dreams, a journey of the heart and soul. It's about being the toughest of the tough. It's about camaraderie, teamwork, and the incredible RAAM family. It's about taking the stage for a charity or cause that matters, to raise awareness and funds. It's a lifetime experience never to be repeated.