FAQ’s

Welcome to the Banff–Jasper Relay FAQ!


Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions from team captains and runners.
The relay covers remote terrain with unique logistics, so please read through this section to help your team stay safe, prepared, and on schedule.

Have more questions?  Reach out and we’ll keep this FAQ updated.

How do forced starts work and why do you have them?

“Forced start” means that if a team’s runner has not arrived by a certain time, the next runner must start anyway to keep the relay on schedule.
For example, on South Leg 5, the forced start time is 1:15 pm. Based on our timing chart, we expect the fastest Leg 4 runners to arrive around 12:10 pm. Any team whose Leg 4 runner has not arrived by 1:15 pm will still need to send their Leg 5 runner so the event stays on track.

Why do we do this?
We are only permitted to have runners on the course during daylight hours, and forced starts ensure that all teams can safely finish the race within those daylight restrictions.

What are exchange closure times?

Each leg has a cut-off or “closed” time by which the exchange must occur (or the leg is shut down). Find all the details on the Race Timing Chart

How does team transportation work?

Transportation of teams (other than legs 2&3 which have to be bussed) is the responsibility of each team.

6- & 9-Person Team Travel:
Teams should travel using one main vehicle, dropping off the next runner at each exchange, cheering on the incoming runner, and then moving ahead. 

There is no cell service on most of the Parkway, so teams should pre-plan their movements, download maps, and stay coordinated. Please do not follow runners directly on the road. Pack essentials, fuel up early, and move together to the Jasper finish line after your final stage.

 

  • 6-person teams: One large SUV is ideal, but if you know your team will not meet the forced start times, 2 vehicles will be more efficient (otherwise you’ll be driving ahead to dropoff a runner at the next leg then returning to pickup from the prior leg)

  • 9-person teams: One vehicle that can easily access each leg start/finish to drop off and pickup their teammember + one support car 

How Each Exchange Works

For every leg:

  1. Drive your next runner to their exchange point

  2. Drop them off early so they can warm up

  3. Cheer for your incoming runner

  4. Once the handoff happens, the whole vehicle moves ahead to the next exchange.  

This keeps the team flowing smoothly down the course.

Do Not Follow Runners on the Road

For safety, teams must not trail or follow their teammate down the highway. Remember the roads are open to traffic in both directions.

Instead:

  • Use designated pullouts

  • Cheer safely from approved areas

  • Then continue to the next exchange point

Does the entire team need to be at finish line in Jasper after they are done their stage?

While the majorty of teams doing the full relay (original 15) and the North 9 do take all members to Jasper, it is not mandatory – but will miss out on the wrapup party!  Teams doing the South6 have a wrapup in Banff.

Is there a cut-off time that has to be hit by each individual on a team in order to be able to continue?

Yes — as participant in a leg you must meet the cut‐off/close time for the leg.  While your teammate may have to start early based on the forced start time, we have a mandatory Closure time for each leg.

Why?  Our volunteers have to ‘leapfrog’ to subsequent Leg Starts.

Does each runner need to wait until the one prior arrives before they can depart?

Generally, yes — the relay is sequential, and each runner normally waits at the exchange point for their teammate to arrive before starting their stage.
However, if a forced start occurs, your next runner must begin even if the incoming runner hasn’t arrived yet. In that case, your teammate will not be waiting at the exchange — but your team will be there to pick you up when you finish your leg!