The BMAI VANCOUVER RUNAHOLICS 8-Hour Relay is a team endurance relay race held on a 400-metre track. The objective is for each team to cover the greatest total distance within eight (8) hours. Each team consists of eight (8) runners. Runners compete in a fixed running order. Each runner completes two (2) relay legs of approximately 30 minutes each, for a total running time of approximately one (1) hour. After all eight runners complete their first relay leg, the team repeats the same running order for the second relay leg. The team with the greatest adjusted total distance at the end of eight (8) hours will be declared the winner of its division.
The event consists of three divisions:
Each team must consist of eight (8) registered runners. More details follow:
Distance Adjustment:
For every one (1) additional male runner above four (4), 1 kilometre will be deducted from the team's final distance. For every one (1) additional female runner above four (4), 1 kilometre will be added to the team's final distance. i.e 4M/4F = 0 km, 5M/3F = -1 km, 6M/2F = -2 km, 7M/1F = -3 km, 8M/0F = -4 km, 3M/5F = +1 km, 2M/6F = +2 km, 1M/7F = +3 km, 0M/8F = +4 km,
Each runner must complete exactly two (2) relay legs. The official duration of each relay leg is 30 minutes. Because the race is conducted on a 400-metre track, relay exchanges must take place only after the incoming runner completes a full lap. Each relay leg may vary by up to three (3) minutes (27–33 minutes) to allow exchanges after a full lap. Each team will be provided with one official Relay Tag for timing purposes. The Relay Tag must be transferred between teammates within the designated Exchange Zone. Teams are responsible for ensuring the Relay Tag is transferred correctly. Failure to properly transfer or carry the Relay Tag may result in missed lap records, penalties, or disqualification. Each runner may complete only two relay legs unless otherwise approved by the Race Director under exceptional circumstances.
By the registration deadline, each team must submit its team name, team captain, eight registered runners, division, and running order (Runners 1–8). The running order is considered final after registration closes unless approved by the Race Director.
The official result is based on the total distance completed within eight (8) hours. Masters Division adjustments will be applied after the race.
Championship awards will be presented to the winning team in each division: Open Division, Mixed Division, and Masters Division.
All relay exchanges must take place within the designated Exchange Zone. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.
The official race time is eight (8) hours. Lap counting stops immediately when the official race time expires. Only laps fully completed before the official finish time will be counted.
Participants must compete safely and in a sportsmanlike manner. Obstructing or intentionally interfering with another runner is prohibited.
The Race Director reserves the right to interpret, amend, and enforce these rules. The Event Organizer may modify these rules prior to Race Day if necessary to ensure safety, fairness, and the smooth operation of the event. Any changes will be communicated to all registered teams before Race Day.