Innovation is
our middle name
In the words of Ragnar Lodbrok, 9th century Viking hero, “Never stop innovating.” While there may not be actual proof of him saying that, we’re pretty sure he thought it—and now we’re following in his footsteps! Not by invading medieval villages, but by constantly experimenting with new ways to make each Ragnar adventure even more unforgettable than the last.
Our Proprietary Formula
Innovation doesn’t just happen. You have to combine the exact right ingredients, mixed in the perfect proportions, as follows:
Some off-beat ideas
We gather only the best ideas from our brainstorm meetings, dream journals, and fortune-cookie messages.
Lots of runner feedback
We combine them with your emails, online comments, and out-of-breath suggestions shouted out to staff on the sidelines.
A touch of crazy
If it doesn’t involve strobe lights, matching outfits, punny nicknames and/or cowbells, we want no part of it.
A whole lot of passion
Innovation comes easy when you’re following your bliss. Our bliss just happens to smell like sweat and campfire smoke.
Recent Innovation Grads
SUNSET SERIES
Can you outrun the sun? We sure are going to find out at our “not-so-secret” test run of a possible new format. Our goal: to squeeze everything you love about a Ragnar event—the challenge, the camaraderie, the costumes—into a single, sunsational evening. Guinea pigs wanted…apply here.
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How it works
So, you team up with three friends. You each take ONE turn running a gorgeous 6.55-mile loop through canyon country. Because 6.55 miles x 4 runners = 26.2 miles, baby! Your goal is to cross the finish line before the sun sets, because the party starts at twilight.
BLACK LOOP AT RAGNAR TRAIL
Why stop at just 3 loops? A small group of lab rats (aka test teams) will try a 2-person experience in trail-specific ultra- running at Ragnar Trail Los Coyotes November 9-10, 2018. Teams who compete will run together the entire Los Coyotes course – Green, Yellow and Red Loops (14 miles total) then conquer The Black Loop: an 18 additional miles of single-track.
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How it works
On Friday, you and your teammate will run the Green, Yellow and Red Loops. The following morning, we’ll kick off the Black Loop with the fastest team starting first. Whatever team crosses the Finish Line first, wins!
Glamping at Ragnar Trail
You could spend a few hours (or days) digging the tent out of your garage, deodorizing your cooler, trying to remember where you left your favorite camping chair, and training your new monkey butler—or you could just show up and find all the gear you need waiting for you, including an actual human concierge. Introducing exclusive Ragnar Glampsites at select courses.
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How it works
Glamping isn’t just for divas. It’s for anyone who appreciates the serenity of a two-person tent, outdoor canopies and carpets, private porta-potties, a beverage cooler full of ice, and a charging station. Yeah, it’s kinda for divas. Just own it.
SPRINT/DAY RELAY AT RAGNAR TRAIL
Have you been curious about Ragnar Trail but don’t want to commit to the whole kit and kaboodle yet? We have just the thing for you. You and your teammates will experience a shortened Ragnar Trail experience where each runner will complete two loops instead of the standard 3 loops. Participants will still enjoy the same Ragnar experience as the rest of the runners, just boiled down into a single day.
How it works
So, you team up with three friends. You each take ONE turn running a gorgeous 6.55-mile loop through canyon country. Because 6.55 miles x 4 runners = 26.2 miles, baby! Your goal is to cross the finish line before the sun sets, because the party starts at twilight.
P.L.U.S. AT RAGNAR ROAD
Some say you can’t improve upon perfection, but we disagree. We’re always looking for ways to innovate, elevate, and invigorate the Ragnar Relay experience. Our latest experiment is debuting at a few races in 2019. Register for Ragnar P.L.U.S. (People who Like Upgraded Stuff), and we’ll take care of all of your food for each van, sleeping arrangements, and bathroom accommodations—and even welcome you into an exclusive VIP area at the Finish Line.
How it works
On Friday, you and your teammate will run the Green, Yellow and Red Loops. The following morning, we’ll kick off the Black Loop with the fastest team starting first. Whatever team crosses the Finish Line first, wins!
Trail Timing & Text Alerts
If you had the choice, would you prefer to: A) huddle around a screen, watching diligently for your runner to get within a quarter mile of camp, or B) catch a few winks or play poker with your teammates, secure in the knowledge that you’ll get a text when it’s go time? We thought so.
How it works
Using technology developed in partnership with NASA, Telsa, and RadioShack, we are now testing a robust tracking system that will alert you via text when your runner is in the vicinity. Carrier messaging rates may apply.
Motivational Viking
On select courses, we are channeling the immortal spirits of Ragnar Lodbrok, for whom we are named, and his sons Ivar the Boneless and Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, to bring you motivational messages shouted down from on high. (These were their actual names, people!)
How it works
As you run your little heart out, fighting for every step of every mile, you may spy out of the corner of your eye a tall tower. And on that tower, a Viking. And on that Viking’s head, a horned helmet. And out of his mouth, the very words you need to pick up the pace, brave runner, and carry on to victory.
Porta-Potty Newsletter
We care deeply about every aspect of your Ragnar experience, including the (hopefully limited) time you will spend answering nature’s call inside one of our portable privies. Our award-winning newsletter, available at select courses, ensures you’ll pass each and every…uh…moment as pleasantly as possible.
How it works
Move over Reader’s Digest! Ragnar’s exclusive Porta-Potty Newsletter is your source for the latest news, views, horoscopes, and tips from the portable toilet pros. Bonus: Includes a list of conversation starters to make waiting in line less awkward.