The Observatory Loop Relay
On Thursday, February 26 the Leap Day/Observatory Loop Relay will return for its third installment. This is a 4 x Mile trail relay race, where teams of two, take on the one mile long Observatory Loop. Each team will run the loop four times, with team members alternating laps, and handing off a baton at the conclusion of each lap. (That means each individual runner will do the loop two times, with a break between each loop.)
The race will start at 7pm. It will be dark when you race and runners are required to have a headlamp.
You can sign up with a partner or individually (and we will place you with a partner).
This event is open to runners of all ability levels. All runners take home a branded baton.
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The Observatory Loop
The loop/segment is exactly one mile and starts and finishes just off the road on Fern Dell Road (opposite the Trails Cafe) in Griffith Park. It combines the East and West Observatory trails. The footing is smooth and the slopes are fairly gradual in both directions.
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Racing in the Dark
Because of the 7pm start time for this event, the sun will have already set and it will be dark. As a result, all participants are required to compete in headlamps.
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Costume & Team Name Contest
Creative team names and costumes are encouraged and we’ll have prizes for the best ones. Stay tuned for more info!
RACE WEEK INSTRUCTIONS
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The starting line and check-in area is located next to the playground just across the street from the Trails Cafe on Fern Dell Dr. For GPS purposes, you can use the address of the Trails Cafe, 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 for driving directions.
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You can park on the street along Fern Dell or in the parking lots that are further up the road. We have been told that the gate on Fern Dell will remain open until after the event ends (around 8:30 or 9pm).
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The race will begin at 7pm. You should plan to be there at least 45 minutes before the start of the race.
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Please connect with your partner before race day and designate who will be responsible for getting your team's bibs, batons, and headlamps (if you requested them) when you arrive. Only one of you should check-in for the team. There will be three check-in tables – one for the Mixed Gender Teams, one for the Men’s Teams, and one for the Women’s Teams.
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When you check-in and get your bibs you will be given two bibs with your team name. The runner on your team who is going second (running the 2nd and 4th legs), and finishing the race should be wearing the bib with the plastic chip on the back. That tag will be needed to record your official time.
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Headlamps (or some kind of light source) must be used while you are on the course. If you are bringing your own light source, please make sure it has fresh batteries or is fully charged.
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There will be a designated “Exchange Zone” where runners are required to hand off their batons between loops. (You will not go back across the starting line, until you finish your fourth and final loop!) This exchange zone will be a large, well marked area, where the East and West observatory trails meet. Before the race starts you are encouraged to pick a spot in that exchange zone where you and your partner plan to do your baton handoffs. Keep in mind that there will be over 100 teams handing off, in the dark, and you don’t want to lose a lot of time just trying to find each other.