Thanks again for putting on such an incredible, life enhancing event. You've done a lot of people a lot of good.

Matt Pendola
Pendola Training, Reno

First and foremost, thanks for the great fun and event.  We had a blast!  Won’t forget it.

Jack Hanifan
Double Diamond Athletic Club team, Reno

I just completed RTO with Team Booty and we really enjoyed it.  Thanks for a great event. 

John Kipper
Team Booty from L.A. and Orange County, CA

“There were a lot of firsts for me....first relay event, first time to Reno, first time running in the middle of the night...it was such an amazing experience.”

Jennifer Hasche
San Diego, TurboTrax team

Congratulations on a great race last weekend!

Our team had a great experience in Reno and around the lake and want to thank you for ordering up the cooperative weather. We started the day with smiles when you handed us our knitted hats, they came in handy later that night.

We found the course challenging for sure, which makes for good stories similar to a fisherman's tales. The volunteers were friendly and helpful, a few more would have been helpful on the course directing runners, even if this meant an increase in race fees. It's hard for us to complain about it though, we didn't provide any due to our long-distance commute.

Your start and finish venue is superb, you and Reno residents have a real jewel with that riverpark running through your city. Don't change that! I just wish we could have seen more of the lake in the light of day, perhaps I need to come back on a slower team next year?

Nice job, thanks so much.

Dave Sargent
Road Raptors from North Carolina

Thank you for putting together such a GREAT event!

Lauren Gustafson
Millbrae, CA (S.F. Bay Area), Venetian Skunk team

First, let me just say THANKS from our entire team.  I think we've pretty much all been on a high all week from the experience.  Very well organized and executed. 

Chuck Collins
Chuck’s Obsession, San Jose

“I felt like I was in some sort of a reality show, like a cross between The Real World and Amazing Race.  I was pretty much living with people whom I’ve never met before for 2 days and we were always on the go.  It was an exciting adventure and I’d love to do it again.”

Marissa Calub
Mountain View, Quick-en Fun team

By the way, again the Odyssey was the best! Best website, best organized, best volunteers and fantastic finish line.

Janet Josephsen
Reno eNVy team, Reno

BOISE RunWalk and Coach Mike and the Robie Survirors LOVED your event. It was not without incident; bear sightings, lost keys, jumper cables, fevers, rolled ankles, yada yada yada ... but we all were very thankful for the opportunity to run around a beautiful lake, that was formed just a few years before we were born, and still shimmers with beauty and hope for a fresh tomorrow. Thank you! See you next year!

Ann Upchurch
Boise, Idaho

For anyone considering running the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey I say GO FOR IT !!! The high elevation, mountain passes, beautiful vistas and local hospitality make this a truly amazing experience. Having run this relay for the past three years, I can honestly say that it has been a highlight of my summer running season. The race organizers should be proud of this unique event.

John Ostezan
Battle Born Racing Team

This was my second year participating in the event and I had a blast once again. I just wanted to thank you and your staff for all your efforts. I can't imagine how hard you must have worked to make the race still happen due to the devastating fire up in tahoe. Despite the effect it had on the race our team and I still had an amazing time. Thank you so much for making it happen! We will definitely see you again next year!!!!!!

Jen Fernandez and
Flowing Tide Team Members

Thanks again for putting on one hell of a party.  I know my Bay Area contingent and me had a great time.  I love running in these types of events – the uniqueness and challenge of RTO is a good test for us flatlanders.

Joe Dito
Krazy Runners Eatin Up Nevada

Hi there.  I wanted to say thank you for hosting such a wonderful event.  This was the first event that I have ever been in of this type and I really enjoyed the time that I spent on the course, meeting people and reaching my goals. 

Thanks a lot,

Jonathan Banks
Runny Bums

I again enjoyed participating in the Reno Tahoe Odyssey Relay.  As in the past, you did a bang up job of organizing the relay - particularly dealing with the difficult circumstances presented by the Angora fire.  It was certainly strange to get a full night's sleep while doing a relay; I usually go 40 hours with about 2 hours sleep.

Overall, another bang up job, Eric, under some trying circumstances.

All the best,

Gordon Gillmouth
Galloping Geezers

Hello-

As a third year Odyssey participant, I have to once again congratulate you on a job well done!   Despite all the last minute changes you had to deal with, you pulled off a great race and great post party.  Thank you!   Our team was comprised of several veteran Odyssey runners and many people new to this race.  Everyone had a great time and several have already asked to be included in next year's team.  Congratulations and thanks again for all your work.  Plan to see us again next year!

Melissa Dooley Johnson

Another successful year! Wow, it gets better every year. We'll see you again next year.

Nica and the
Immortal Moon Monkey Posse

Great event!  Everybody on our team had a blast.  I can't wait until next year.  
Take care and see you next year or in Arizona =)

Thanks,

Marc Peachey

Hello! I am still riding the high of the Odyssey. What a fantastic race experience!

Sore calves: 5 miles moderate
Sore gluteals: 5 miles most difficult
To soar as a team: priceless

Thanks again,

Dagmar Bohlmann
Double Diamond Parisi Patrol

What else can I say but “FANTASTIC”. You have done a tremendous job with this event. We absolutely loved every aspect of this event. We're so “amped” that we're ready to sign up for next year. Especially notable is your event volunteers at the relay exchange points. They did a fantastic job. This is truly a SUPERSTAR EVENT … from its organization to the course support … to the quality and camaraderie of the other participants. Thanks again and we'll see you in 2007.

Jeff Marks
Go Guard Nevada Army National Guard Team

I'll try to be brief as I am sure you have many of these to read.

1. Excellent relay, had a great time and plan on making it an annual tradition.
2. I will take every opportunity to talk-up this event.
3. What an incredibly beautiful area.

I look forward to many successful years at RTO.
Best regards,

Ed Dumas
Smells Like Texas Roadkill

This years RTO was an outstanding event! Everyone on our team had a great time. Thanks for all your hard work in putting this event together.

Eric Troska
Sisters and Misters with Blisters

Hello, I just wanted to drop a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the run. I was a fill in at the last hour running leg #7 and needless to say it was pretty difficult but very rewarding. Great Job!

Tim Barraza
Colliers' Team Donut

Just a quick note to let you know that the Sierra Survivors had a FANTASTIC experience, not that I expected any less after the great experience last year. The RTO is truly the most beautiful, fun and interesting course of the relays that I have experienced. And the looped course makes the logistics so much easier. With double the teams this year, the race was that much more fun with more people to trade stories and super-soaker volleys at the exchange points. Can't wait to see how many teams sign up in '07! Most of our team were "newbies" to the whole relay experience and are hooked. Apparently those middle-night-wake-up-calls don't seem too bad in the light of day, after the high of finishing.

Diane Klund
Sierra Survivors

What a BLAST!!!!!!!!! We had such a great time. Thanks so much for everything. We're definitely doing it again next year. We're already starting the recruiting process!

Wendy Damonte
LUNA Chix / Channel 2

Great event! My team members have not stopped talking about it. Your event had quite an impact on us. Friendships were made. Knowledge was gained. Challenges were met. I believe every runner on our team stated they would do it again next year ... and this coming from runners who each ran four, rather than three, legs. Simply a great experience. We all walked away stronger in one way or another.

Guy Johnson
12 Strangers, 2 Vans And 1 Heck of a Good Time

Twice as big as last year's and twice as good. Can't wait till next year.

Dan Brush
Ryan's Rejects

Thanks so much for putting on such a fun and fabulous event!! We all had a blast for the second year - even if we still got lost driving a few times.

Britta Rottschy
Sin City Slackers

Once again, thanks so much for putting on such an awesome and fun event! Our team had a blast this year. The spirit on the course was unbelievable, and the volunteers were fantastic. I loved having twice as many teams on the road this year - it was great actually being able to race people on our legs and interact with various teams along the course. Thanks again! We'll be back next year.

Michelle Leutzinger
Intuit Turbo Trax

Thanks for putting on such an awesome race! Everyone on our team had a great time and are talking about plans for next year.

Jean Thornley
Team Stewball

You did it again! Thanks for putting on another great event in the Odyssey relay. It is so much fun to have such a well organized event in our area. And it is good to see how much it has grown since last year … Even the little extras add a special element to the relay. How many other races in the country have bears visit the transfer stations … The members of my Galloping Geezers team were very enthusiastic with their comments on the quality of the race, and some of them had run the HTC many times. The earlier start time this year gave us a better chance to see the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area in the daylight. We saw the sunset over Emerald Bay with the lights of the Tahoe Queen visible next to the inlet - it was gorgeous. Then outside Carson City we came within a few feet of a herd of wild mustangs with some cute foals in the group. Those are just some of the special characteristics that make your relay such a unique event. Keep up the good work.

Floyd Whiting
Galloping Geezers

This is the third relay I have done (Napa and Hood to Coast, previously). I have to say that this one was probably the most interesting and definitely more fun than Hood to Coast. I like the size of the race and the spirit of those who were from the local area. It's a beautiful race and is a great advertisement for the region.

Charlie Lambeth
Smells Like Texas Roadkill

Soooo glad it was all such a huge success, you and all your staff and volunteers are a special group indeed! You created an event where there was this unique camaraderie among the competing teams - whoa, talk about some neat sportsmanship ... I'd still be at the Y if someone didn't yell, "Where ya goin', it's this way," and before that, in the heat of the afternoon, a blast from another team's super soaker never felt so good.
Rainbows, sunshine & smiles,

Terri Bortot
Road Kill

I was one of the volunteers for exchange point 35. Is it possible for me to sign up now for that same spot next year? I have some great ideas for the most spirited exchange point contest for next year, and I think this is just the spot to make them work! Let me know if this is ok. Everything was a blast again this year! Thanks for all that you do to make it happen!!
Blessings,

Breanna Balmut
One of the many Extraordinary Volunteers

Excellent job. It was a great experience ... and I can't wait to do it again next year.
Cheers.

Greg Peek
Night Crawlers

Thank you very much for organizing such an awesome race - and congratulations on putting on an excellent race. I've run Hood to Coast for several years now, and I was very impressed at how organized this race was - especially for a first time kick-off . I hope you're up for planning it again next year! :) If so, the NO KANKLES team is absolutely in -- atlhough, it sounds like there could be 2, if not 3 teams, as many people are interested in doing it next year after hearing about our experience this year. Thanks,

Melissa Dooley
captain of No Kankles Here
Reno, NV

You knocked it out of the park! Great event all the way around..... well organized, friendly staff & volunteers, spectacular course, fun post race party, etc. etc. etc. The Sac Fit Squids will be back next year! Cheers!

Pete Andrew
captain of the Sacramento Fit Squids
Carmichael, CA

I just wanted to say thanks again for putting on the Relay. We thought it was very well organized. We had a great time. Yesterday, we had coffee at [Bibo Coffee in Reno] and one of the employees there had on the Relay T-shirt. We talked to her about her experience (she also had a great time) and while we were talking, one of the customers joined in to say she also did the Relay and enjoyed it also. You have created a wonderful event for our community.

Miranda Du
runner on the Eclipse Running team
Reno, NV

Excellent job by you and all of the volunteers organizing the race. I know what a tough time I had keeping my team organized, can't imagine how difficult it must be to keep a 178 mile course organized for 24 hours. Our team had a great time, and enjoyed the truly spectacular course, and reveled in the challenge. To all the teams we encountered along the way, thank you for all the support you showed us, I hope we returned the same. Hope to see you all out there again next year!

Rob Nixdorf
captain of "Dude, Where's our Runner?!"
Mill Valley, CA

THANK YOU for putting on such an awesome event! We were so impressed at how organized everything was, especially considering it was the first year. The volunteers were the BEST! I was also very impressed at how FUN everyone on the course was. For all of you teams who cheered us on- shared laughs and stories, water, shoe polish for the vans, tips, and encouragement, thanks! This was such a great event and we can't wait til next year. Next time we'll actually train for it and try to break the 30 hour mark, ha!

Michelle Leutzinger
captain of Intuit's Turbo Trax
Reno, NV

I want to thank you and your volunteers for putting on a fantastic relay. We in the Chico-Truckee Connection found it hard to believe that it was a first-time event. We were prepared to be flexible but we didn't need to be. It's a small thing but I have to tell you that having porta-potties at every hand-off point was a big plus.

Greg Fischer
co-captain of the Truckee-Chico Connection
Chico, CA

I just wanted to take a second to THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication putting together the race. It was a PHENOMENAL Event! All my racers (even the ones who have run Hood To Coast and the Saturn Relay) said this was well organized! The ones who have run other relays also agreed….this was the most physically challenging of the three! That was part of the lure! You really did a wonderful job with the course, the organization, the volunteers, everything! I have a ton of people who would love to volunteer in the organization process for next year if you need them! Thank you again for a great event.

Rebecca Venis
captain of the Global Mortgage team
Reno, NV

Thanks for putting on a great event! I came up from the Bay Area and ran with some of my friends from Reno and had a blast … I've run the Providian now Saturn Relay for the last 4 years, and I would rank your event up there. I felt the course was very challenging, but still fun. I would most definitely do it again next year, as well as advertise it for you down in my neck of the woods.

Joe Dito
a runner from San Francisco
on the Global Mortgage team

Just wanted to let you know what a great job you did on the Reno Odyssey. Very well organized from start to finish. Volunteers were supportive and enthusiastic. I was disappointed in the low number of teams. Hopefully the word will get around for next year because I plan on running it again. Thanks. Great Job!

Dan Brush
member of the Bonanza Cavalry
Reno, NV

For the other half of the Chico Truckee Connection, I would like to thank you for a great event. We all had loads of fun and met some great people along the way. You did a great job in organizing this event and as everyone else has said, your volunteer group was great. We are looking forward to next year. Thanks again.

Dan Olsen
co-captain of Chico-Truckee Connection

Pros and Cons of the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey:

Pros:

  • Simply amazing organization for a first year event
  • Course maps right on the mark
  • Signs out on the course were great
  • Porta-potties galore
  • Wonderful course marshals
  • Well lit exchange points during the night runs
  • Friendly and fun teams all enjoying themselves and helping others
  • Unbelievable scenic course
  • Great after-event party

Cons:

  • Eric and Stephanie did not get to run

Thank you so much for a great event--my team is looking forward to next year!

Kim Kennedy
captain of Desert Mountain Chicks
Reno, NV

Thanks for all of your hardwork in pulling this great event together! I really enjoyed the experience and the course … it was great and tons of fun. I hope it becomes an annual event!

Allison Russell
member of the Free Range Chicks
Reno, NV

This was an absolutely superb event... and everything was extremely well done. A couple of comments: The maps and runner's handbook were excellent, and were key to the success of the event … The overall planning was also very well done, meaning the exchange points had adequate space for parking, porta potty's (thank you!), and had good safe access from the highway (very important to us highway engineer types) … Thanks again, and congratulations on a job done WELL DONE!!!

Jim Souba
captain of NDOT Chain Gang
Carson City, NV

I just want to commend you for a job well done on organizing the first annual Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Adventure Relay Race. I …thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is definitely something I will never forget. I am already looking forward to next year’s race.

Adriane L. Booth
member of the Angel Kiss Foundation team
Reno, NV