Ragnar is a beautiful thing. We want to keep it going for as long as we can, and we want our runners and communities to be happy. Unfortunately, there have been times when Ragnar has lost support of their communities due to bad runner behavior. Our relays cannot happen without the locals’ permission and it is so important that we cultivate good relationships with the people of the places we run through. That’s why we’re encouraging all Ragnarians to love the locals. These people are kind enough to give us their blessing and let us run wild through their town. We want to thank them for it and treat them right. You’ll see a “Love the Locals” icon anywhere you need to be extra mindful of this.

COURTESY RULES

To most, these will seem like no-brainers. But some people need to hear this. Please heed the guidelines. They don’t cover all courtesy issues—when in doubt, err on the side of being a good human.

RESPECT 101

Friendly reminders about respect during the race.

• Be quiet in quiet zones

But really, be quiet in quiet zones. Waking someone in the middle of the night with loud yelling/cheering/honking is a quick and easy way to upset them.

• Keep it clean

All team names and van decorations need to be appropriate. Some exchange points will be at schools or churches. Vans will be seen by other people on the road. Just remind yourself that children are going to see this. Inappropriate van decorations have been one our biggest problems. Please, keep it clean.

• Be nice

Volunteers are kind people who donate their time to make your Ragnar experience awesome and safe. Treat them like you would want to be treated.

• Listen up

If a volunteer asks you to do something, it’s for a good reason, so listen and abide, or risk disqualification.

• Think before speaking

Think twice before being negative about any communities or volunteers—both in real life and on social media. We want Ragnar to be about positive vibes. 

OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY

The do’s and don’ts of other people’s space and stuff.

• Only a toilet is a toilet

Runners should pee and poop exclusively in toilets. Public urination or defecation will get you disqualified or even arrested. There are toilets along the course and at most exchange points—plan accordingly.

• Litter bugs = not cool

Give a hoot, take your trash (and everything else) with you and dispose of it properly.

• Stay off the grass

Kindly avoid residents’ landscaping. Don’t walk/run/stand/sleep on their lawns or gardens.

• Trespassing = illegal

Please respect everyone’s space. Do not trespass on other people’s property or break into their property. No hopping fences either.

• Only a trashcan is a trashcan

Putting trash in porta-potties causes problems, so please put all trash in trashcans—not in porta-potties.

·      Leave no trace

If you must tag a fellow competitor’s van, do not use permanent marker. Try magnets as an alternative.

TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN LAWS

Some rules are made for breaking. These are not those.

• Common sense, common courtesy

Be a thoughtful runner and a thoughtful driver. Comply with all traffic and pedestrian laws. They exist to keep you and other people safe.

• Go with the flow

Van drivers should not slow down or block the flow of traffic to interact with runners. This causes traffic jams and is one of our biggest complaints. Be considerate of the drivers behind you.

• Slow your roll

Be safe, avoid getting a ticket, and drive the speed limit.

• Park smart

Park on authorized property only, and never in front of someone’s driveway.

• Sidewalks = awesome

         If there is a sidewalk available, run on that instead of in the road.

At the end of the day, it’s all about coming together to celebrate living wild and free. And trying not to be wild and free on other people’s lawns. Let’s give a toast to the people who let us do our thing in their community. Remember, Ragnarians, Love the Locals!