Sawtooth Relay 2021 is Going Virtual
When we planned for the 2021 Sawtooth Relay, we were hoping for a dramatic improvement in Covid pandemic. And it has improved dramatically. Infections and deaths have declined drastically. People are getting vaccinated. Everyone hopes to return to normal, whatever that is. Yet new variants are appearing. Infection rates fluctuate. Community leaders are cautious about approving large events. Ketchum and Blaine County currently have a 10-person restriction on events and activities. They hope to increase it in the future, yet they reserve the right to cancel any event at any time.
We refunded 100% of the 2020 entry fees last year. Many of you requested the same 100% refund if the Relay is cancelled again because of Covid. We are at a point where significant expenses are incurred. We can’t spend your entry fee on products and services and provide a 100% refund if the event is cancelled.
So the solution is to go Virtual. Now we can hear the groans of disappointment. We get that. But hear us out. The Virtual 2021 Sawtooth Relay has a lot of features that other virtual events don’t have.
Let’s compare the standard Sawtooth Relay to the Virtual
Course: It’s still 62 miles. You pick the course. Yes, it could be in your neighborhood. But consider something new. Maybe there are trails or back roads you’ve always wanted to explore. Try something new. Something with great scenery.
Date: Run or walk the relay during the entire month of June. Pick a day. If the weather isn’t ideal, then delay your relay for a weekend with better weather. Run or walk over multiple days. Maybe run 6 legs on Friday and 6 legs on Sunday.
Teams: It’s still 6 people to a team. Or 5 or 4 athletes if you really want to. Yes, you can run solo too.
Volunteers: NO VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT!!! Nuf’ said.
Start Time: Is your team a bunch of night owls or early morning larks? Pick your own start time. If you don’t like your start time this year change it. If you still don’t like it, then it’s your own fault!
Timing: This is entirely on the honor system. Send your results to us. We’ll post the times.
Photos: We will post your photos (No guarantees. Keep them clean and safe).
Awards: We won’t offer awards this year.
Entry Fee: We are reducing the entry fee to $300 per team. $60 for solo. (No refunds.)
For the teams who have submitted their forms and entry fee. We have not deposited any checks at this point because of the risk of a covid cancellation. We will be contacting you directly about your plans.
Entry Deadline: May 10, 2021
Entry Form: Because the 2021 Sawtooth Relay is virtual there is a new entry form with a new waiver. Even if you submitted a team entry for this year you will need to submit a new team entry (6 athlete forms) and the $300 entry fee. Or we can refund the difference if you’ve already submitted a team, however we still need the virtual form from all athletes.
Shirts and Medals, etc: We will provide embroidered, short-sleeve tech shirts, medals, and bib numbers. Handbooks won’t be printed this year because you are choosing a new course.
Sponsor Perks
If your team does decide to run or walk in Blaine or Custer county our sponsors will be happy to provide during June:
- 20% off your meal at Perry’s Restaurant in Ketchum,
- Free pint at Sawtooth Brewery in Ketchum or Hailey,
- Free pint at Warfield Distillery and Brewery in Ketchum,
- Discount off your room at AmericInn in Hailey (TBA!)
Be sure to check Redfish Lake Lodge, Redfish Riverside Inn, Triangle C Cabins, and Stanley High Country Inn for availability.
We hope you decide to participate in the 2021 Virtual Sawtooth Relay. Regardless of what you decide, stay safe and keep running and walking!