Everything you need to know before you run.

The interest form lets us know you want to participate, but it does not sign you up for a specific segment. To fully participate in the relay, you need to submit a full application for a specific segment at relayforamerica.org/run. The interest form helps us match you to segments near you, but you still need to complete the signup process separately.

Yes! There is no limit to how many segments you can sign up for. Head to relayforamerica.org/run and apply for any additional segments you want. You can also manage all your signups at relayforamerica.org/my-signup.

Go to relayforamerica.org/my-signup and enter your confirmation number (from your signup email) to manage your signup. You can cancel, add new segments, or update your details there.

No. When you indicate interest in alternate segments, those preferences are already on file. We will only move you to an alternate if we need to, and you do not need to submit separate applications for them.

No. You can bring as many runners as you want to a segment. The more the merrier!

The relay is continuous, so each segment starts when the previous runner finishes. The start window you see is the range between a best-case pace and a worst-case pace for every runner before you across the entire relay. This is not how long your segment takes. It is the range of when the flag could arrive at your starting point. Earlier segments have smaller windows; later segments have wider ones.

No, that is correct. For segments later in the relay, the cumulative pace difference across all previous runners can add up to many hours or even days. The window will tighten significantly as the relay progresses and earlier segments are completed.

Three ways: (1) You will be able to track the flag in real time on our website, so you can see exactly where it is and approximately when it will reach your segment. (2) We will text you 24 hours before your segment with a much tighter estimate based on how the relay is actually progressing. (3) We will call you with a final ETA when the flag is on its way to your start point.

We recently updated the website to make times consistent across all views. If you see a discrepancy, try refreshing the page. The times on the individual segment detail page (click into a segment) are the most reliable and include full dates and time zones.

No. Applying for a segment is an application, not a confirmed spot. We may need to reassign you to a different segment based on pace, availability, logistics, or other factors. The relay is a massive logistical operation and there are many variables that can change which runners are on which segments. If you only apply for one segment and we are unable to place you there, you may not have a spot in the relay. We strongly recommend applying for multiple segments and indicating flexibility.

No. Because the relay is continuous, the pace of every runner before you affects when your segment starts. We do not know exactly how fast or slow the relay will move through any given stretch of the country. The dates and times on the website are estimates based on pace ranges, and they will shift as the relay progresses. We will keep you updated with tighter estimates as your segment approaches.

No, but if you are not running the full segment distance, you will not be eligible for flag bearer selection. Please apply for a segment that already has other applicants so there is a full-distance runner to carry the flag.

One flag bearer is selected per segment from the pool of applicants. The flag bearer carries the American flag for the full distance of their segment.

Bring your own hydration, nutrition, gear, ID, and phone. We do not supply any of it. You also need to have a support vehicle or someone to follow you, because we cannot drive you back to your car.

We run in all conditions except lightning or tornado warning.

The relay starts on June 14, 2026 at 8:30 AM PT in San Francisco and ends on July 4, 2026 in Washington, D.C. It covers over 3,000 miles carried by 250 runners over 20 days.

Yes. Confirmation numbers are only sent when you sign up for a specific segment at relayforamerica.org/run. The interest form does not generate a confirmation number because it is not a segment signup.

Make sure to check your 24-hour text and the real-time tracker on our website before you head into an area with limited service. We recommend arriving on the early side of the window to be safe.

Relay for America is the organization running the relay. America 250 refers to the country's 250th birthday in 2026 — the reason we're running. The relay is our way of honoring veterans and celebrating this milestone. You may see both names used: "Relay for America" is who we are, and "America 250" is why we run.