First Descents Launches Nationwide Virtual ‘Out Living It Relay’ Race

First Descents, the non-profit that offers life-changing outdoor experiences to young adults living with cancer and MS, is hosting a virtual race this month to get more people Out Living It during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Out Living It Relay is a small group race that can be run anywhere with a goal to complete 20 or 40 kilometers within a 48-hour period. Funds raised will benefit Hero Recharge, First Descents’ new programming for healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontlines.

Participants are encouraged to recruit friends, family and coworkers to build a team of relay racers. For the Full Relay, teams of eight will have the opportunity to collectively run, walk, or dance their way across a total of 160km over 48 hours. Each runner will be responsible for completing a total of 20km divided into 3 runs; one 10km run and two 5km runs, in any order. For the Ultra Relay, each runner from a team of four can divide up their distance however they like, as long as they total 40km.

“Like many other non-profits around the world, we’ve had to cancel several events in the wake of this global pandemic. But, the new Out Living It Relay is open to everyone, anywhere they are,” said Ryan O’Donoghue, Executive Director at First Descents.  “This is a fun way to add some socially distant adventure to the summer.”

While fundraising is optional, First Descents is challenging each participant to get 20 people to donate $20+ to their team’s Out Living It Relay fundraising page. These funds will help send healthcare workers on free outdoor adventures, like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting and surfing later this summer and fall, as public health directives permit.

“Putting our oncology and MS programs on pause was difficult for our team and community, but we’re thrilled and honored to provide healthcare workers on the frontlines of this global pandemic with the opportunity to recharge in wild places with their peers,” said O’Donoghue.

Participants will track themselves using Strava, and then post their runs from July 18^th and 19^th to the Out Living It Relay Strava group. To sign up for the relay or to make a donation to First Descents, visit the event page here.

ABOUT FIRST DESCENTS: First Descents (FD) is the global leader in adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventure, community building, and skills development, FD improves the health and quality of life for young adults impacted by cancer, MS, and other serious health conditions.