LAS VEGAS, Sept. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ragnar Relay Series presented by Nordic Track, the nation's largest team-focused, overnight running series, wants one lucky team to experience what its like to run with an Olympian during their final event of the 2012 calendar year in Las Vegas in November.
Today Ragnar Relay Series launched its Run Vegas with an Olympian Contest, a program where one lucky and creative team will have a chance to add the third fastest 800-meter runner in American history to their 12-person relay. Nick Symmonds, a two-time Olympian and five-time U.S. 800 meter champion will become teammate number 12 for the team that submits the most creative one minute video telling Ragnar (and the world) why you want to run a Ragnar with Nick Symmonds.
Entries will be posted on Ragnar Relay's Facebook page for voting for a one-month period. Winners will be selected based on a combination of both total votes and a panel of independent judges. Videos will be judged based on content and not production value. Winners will be selected on or around October 16. The contest is open to teams already signed up for the Las Vegas event as well as new teams that register by October 1. To register, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheRagnarRelaySeries?v=app_399405740112482
The winning team will then add Symmonds, described by some as the Brad Pitt of track and field and an outspoken advocate for the rights of track and field athletes to better market themselves. Symmonds took fifth in the 2012 London Olympic 800 meter final, running the third fastest time in U.S. history. A member of the elite Oregon Track Club, Symmonds is also an active outdoorsmen who is thrilled to join the Ragnar Nation as he strives to try to get more people active.
"I've always admired what Ragnar Relay Series does in terms of connecting runners with each other, conquering the challenge of 200 miles over two days together, and then celebrating runners success," said Symmonds. "Their participation and overall leadership shares a philosophy of mine – work hard play hard. I can't wait to do both in Vegas this November with the winning team."
Symmonds is also a strong advocate for the power of social media channels. In January 2012, he auctioned off his left shoulder on eBay to the highest bidder in the "Your Twitter Handle on an Olympian" competition. He has since grown his following on Twitter to more than 27,000, and was named a Top Olympian to Follow by Mashable in July 2012.
For more information on Nick Symmonds, visit his website at www.nicksymmonds.com or follow him on Twitter @NickSymmonds. For more information on the Ragnar Relay Las Vegas Race, visit www.ragnarrelay.com/race/lasvegas.
Matt Braun
For Ragnar
414.270.8350
About Ragnar Events, LLC
Based in Utah, Ragnar Events, LLC is the largest overnight running relay series in the United States. Traversing inspiring and scenic destinations around the country, these events make testing your limits a team sport. Teams of 12 run this 200-mile relay in the course of two days and one night. They connect in memorable relationships, conquer a challenge that could not be done alone and celebrate with medals and finish line festivities. Often called a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant, this unique relay turns out crazy costumes, inside jokes, close quarters and unforgettable stories. Begun as a single relay from Logan to Park City, UT in 2004 by college roommates, Dan Hill and Tanner Bell, now over 160,000 people have run in the Ragnar Relay Series presented by Nordic Track, which boasts 15 races and is growing every year. Visit www.ragnarrelay.com for race dates and exact locations.
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