This past weekend I was part of one of ~100 teams that ran the 2021 KT82 relay race. This has been a bucket list event for me and when someone posted on a local Facebook group that they were looking for one more runner on their team, I literally jumped at the chance.
The Race
The KT82 endurance event started in 2014 and usually utilizes a lottery system for registration. Last year the event was cancelled (thanks Covid) and this year they removed the lottery all together. (Not sure if they reduced the number of allowed teams for this year or not, but the total number of teams was about half that it normally is). The race starts somewhere in the St. Louis County/St. Charles area, follows the Katy Trail and ends in Hermann, MO. Solo runners, teams of 3 people and teams of 6 people participate. The fastest teams finish in about 9 hours. I was on a 6 person team, so we each ran three legs throughout the day. Each leg’s mileage ranged from 2.5 to 7.5 miles. We entered the non-competitive division (first timers) so we were able to select which legs we ran. It makes for a LONG day, but it was a lot of fun.
My Runs
This year, the start of the race was at the Maryland Heights Aquaport. My name was drawn for Leg 1, so I started out on the first 5 miles right at 5:00AM. Because it was still dark when we took off, each runner was required to have a high visibility vest and a light. It was really pretty watching the sun come up while running by Creve Coeur Lake.
My second run started around 9:30AM (Leg 6). It was just shy of 6 miles, utilizing the Lewis and Clark Trail within the Weldon Springs Conservation Area and then ending back on the Katy Trail. Legs 5-7 all veered off Katy Trail and included single track trails. I loved this leg. (Is that weird to say?) I really enjoy trail running and haven’t done it in a while, but I enjoy the concentration and “fancy footwork” it requires. This portion was fairly rocky and had some more technical downhill spots and turns with the switchbacks. There was a couple creek crossing areas and one really big incline (yep, walked up that). While running through the single track areas, the plants were brushing against my ankles the whole time and I just kept thinking “I hope this isn’t poison ivy”.
I took off at about 4:00PM for my last leg (Leg 14), which was right at 4 miles long. It was solely on Katy Trail, which meant nice and flat. We were finally past the hottest part of the day (it reached 90 degrees) and I was blessed to have most of my last leg under shade. Legs 8-13 were pretty much in full sun, and most of the runners looked miserables after each of those legs.
We Finished!
We rolled into Hermann right at 8:00PM that night. We were so happy to be done and grab the provided dinner and beer! We clearly were not the fastest, but that didn’t matter. I felt like as a team, we had such a great spirit the whole day and that’s what really helped push us through.
Packing List
The team/support vehicle(s) is responsible for carrying EVERYTHING you will need for the day. Each team gets 1 or 2 support vehicles, which will transport runners to each meeting spot + carry all supplies for the day. Our team used two personal vehicles (a mini van and a full sized pickup) and it worked out great. We had all the space to spread out and overpack on supplies. You do drive through a couple small towns, but it’s best to be prepared to not have to stop for anything – including gas.
The sponsor shop does provide a suggested packing list, but of course each team modifies to their needs. Check out below what I suggest to pack:
Wearables
- Tops (4-5 total)
Pack a new shirt for every leg you run + 1-2 clean shirts. It’s nice to change out of your sweaty shirt! And then if your team makes or decides on a specific shirt to wear as you cross the finish line. - Shorts
- Shoes (1-2 pairs)
I wore one pair for Katy Trail and another pair for my leg with the technical single track trail - Socks (1-3 pairs)
It was nice to change socks part way through the day - Hat
- Sunglasses
- Watch and/or HR monitor
- Hydration: Water bottle or vest
- Running belt (if normally use to hold phone + ID)
- Headphones
The race organizer asked that participants either wear only 1 earpiece or none in order to be aware of surroundings - Visibility Vest + Headlamp or Light
Required for runners starting before sunrise and if they’re going to be finishing after sunset
Fuel/Nutrition
- Gels, Gummies, Chews
- Coolers + Ice
- Water
- Electrolytes
Powder Mix, Gatorade, etc. We had one cooler for bottled water and another cooler filled with mini Gatorades and V8 Splash energy drinks. - Food
Sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, anything of sustenance that you want to eat throughout the day - Snacks
Protein/energy bars, candy, pretzels, nuts, etc.
Personal Hygiene
- Deodorant
- Towel
- Baby wipes
- Toilet Paper (porta-potties and the trail head stations were often out of TP)
- Anti-chafing cream/stick
Misc
- Chargers > Headphone, cellphones, etc
- Foam Roller
- Yoga mat
- Kinesiology Tape
- ID, insurance card, credit card
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- First Aid Kit (especially bandaids)
- Camping chairs or picnic blanket
Sometimes you’re waiting 1+ hrs between runners so it’s nice to have a place to sit down outside - Umbrella
It wasn’t rainy for us, but it has poured in the past
Downloadable Packing List here!
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My Running Gear
Here’s a list of the things I use/wear/eat the most when I run.
- Road Shoes
- Trail Shoes
- Socks (Budget Option)
- Favorite Running Shorts
- Running Belt (exact one I use!)
- Water Bottle (similar)
- Hat (similar)
- Headphones
- Visibility Vest with Lights
- Clif Bloks
Happy race running and good luck!
—m.