GCI Relay – The Gist.
This year marks the 2nd annual Gulf Coast Interstate Relay. This event is two races in one weekend – a cycling relay and a running relay. It’s the largest relay in the South and one of two in the country to cross four states. Cyclists and runners will be completing the same course – 263 miles from New Orleans, LA to Pensacola Beach, FL.
- Dates: April 4, 5 & 6 2014
- Teams: You can be on a cycling team OR a running team, but not both. It’s run or ride.
- Race Course: The course is 263 miles from New Orleans to Pensacola Beach. Total ascent of 2,126 feet and maximum elevation of 233 feet. Lots of beach and back country roads. Over 22 bridges!
Relay Start
The GCI Relay start is in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lakefront at the UNO Research and Technology Park. The route heads east along Lakeshore Drive, over the Seabrook Bridge and to HWY 90, taking your team outta town and on to Mississippi!
View Start Map →
Cycling relay teams:
- Teams can be 1-6 people. Up to two vehicles are permitted per team.
- Start Saturday April 5 at 4:00-6:00AM
- Learn more about riding the relay
- Cycling team scenarios
Running relay teams:
- Teams can be 6 or 12 people. Up to two vehicles are permitted per team.
- Teams must average a 10 minute/mile pace or faster
- Teams averaging 8-10 minute pace per mile will start on Friday early evening, April 4
- Teams faster than 8 minute/mile pace will start on Saturday morning, April 5
- Learn more about running the relay
- Running team scenarios
Relay Finish
The relay finish is in Pensacola Beach, Florida, Oceanfront on Casino Beach Road by The Pavilion. Sandwiches, booze and band Friday evening, Big party and awards ceremony Saturday afternoon.
View Finish Map →
Cycling teams:
- All teams will finish between 4:00pm-10:30pm Saturday night
Running teams:
- All teams will finish before 1:00pm Sunday, April 6
What’s in between?
4 states – 263 miles!
- Mostly Lake bridges and swampland in Louisiana
- Beachfront through Mississippi (Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula)
- Mostly wide-open country roads through Alabama, except for the trek through the City of Mobile and over the Cochrane Bridge
- 15 miles of country rode in Florida, through downtown Pensacola for a finish on Pensacola Beach
- Check out the full relay course map
