Here’s Why You Need to Talk Your Friends into Joining Your Relay Team

Yo, Blaze here! We all know training for a half marathon solo is epic, but let’s be real for a second—what’s even better than running solo? Running with your peeps as a relay team! Picture this: you and your bestie tag-teaming a race, crushing miles, and celebrating at that finish line together like the champions you are.

Convincing your friends to join a relay team does not have to be a hard sell. I’ve got the perfect playbook to talk your friends into the most epic relay team of their lives. Let’s dive into it!

Let’s face it: Nobody likes missing out, especially when the squad’s doing something legendary. Relay races are a vibe, people. You get all the excitement of race day—the energy, the crowd, the high-fives—without the dread of running the whole thing alone. And think about it: You’ll have fire Instagram content to prove it.

Sell it like this: “We could be out there, looking like an unstoppable dream team, crossing that finish line together. You really want to scroll Insta that day and see us popping bottles at the post-race party without you? #SquadGoals.”

Look, the word “half marathon” can scare people off, but here’s the hack: in a relay, you only run a fraction of the distance. You can even call dibs on the shortest leg if you’re that friend who just learned what running shoes are. A typical half marathon relay splits the distance, so no one’s out there running more than their stamina can handle. Just a little run, then you’re kicking back, waiting to hype up your teammates at the exchange zones.

Pitch it like this: “Okay, relax, it’s not 13.1 miles solo. You’ll run 6 miles—then boom, it’s snack time. Plus, you’ll look like a beast in those race pics. You’ve totally got this.”

What’s better than bonding over pain—I mean, personal growth? Training together and racing as a team will make your group even tighter. Imagine pre-race group runs, matching race-day fits, and all the inside jokes that’ll come from that one teammate who always “forgets” to show up for practice (we know who you are, Kyle).

Frame it like this: “Remember how we all wanted to hang out more? Boom—built-in hangouts for the next few weeks. We’ll train together, snack together, and dominate the race together. Plus, we can finally get Kyle off the couch. Win-win.”

We all have that one friend who turns everything into a competition. Now’s your chance to use that energy for good. If you know your friends can’t resist a challenge, stir up some friendly rivalry! See if you can race against another friend group, your coworkers, or even your classmates. There’s nothing like a little competitive edge to make everyone run faster than they thought possible.

Spin it like this: “Alright, so Sarah’s team thinks they can beat us. Are we really going to let them think they’re faster than us? Yeah, didn’t think so. Let’s show them who’s boss.”

Let’s get real: The best part of race day? The afterparty. And trust me, it’s way more fun when you can celebrate with your team. Whether it’s hitting up a local food spot, treating yourselves to brunch, or just lounging with medals around your necks—you’re going to want your crew there to live it up.

Tempt them with this: “So, we’re running a little, then we’re eating a lot. Think about that sweet post-race feast. Calories don’t count on race day, so go ahead and order two desserts. You in?”

This isn’t just any swag—it’s the Austin International Half Marathon swag, which means it’s epic. We’re talking custom race bibs, finisher medals you’ll want to show off for life, and race shirts so cool that you’ll be wearing them long after race day. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be dripping in Austin-themed gear, snapping selfies with your crew as you rock those shiny medals? It’s the perfect blend of style and bragging rights.

Tease it like this: “You get a sweet Austin medal, a killer race shirt, and you don’t even have to run the whole 13.1 to flex it. six miles—whatever. We’ll still look like absolute legends!”

Alright, I’ve given you the playbook—now it’s time to go get your crew hyped! Whether they’re experienced runners or just running enthusiasts (you know, the ones who enthusiastically watch from the sidelines), relay teams are the ultimate way to bring your people together. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and best of all—it’s a team effort.

So, rally the troops, get those group texts going, and start planning your training runs. The Austin International Half Marathon Relay is coming, and your squad needs you.

Remember, race day is about more than miles—it’s about memories, laughs, and epic post-race celebrations. See you and your squad at the start line!

-Blaze out!