WHAT IS RAAM? 

  

Race Across America (RAAM) is one of the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well. RAAM has a rich and storied history. In 1982 four individuals raced from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. Covered by national television, the race captivated the public’s imagination. Teams were added in 1992 and quickly became the most popular and fastest growing segment of the race. Relay team racing made the event accessible to any reasonably fit cyclist. The 2024 race will be the 43rd edition of RAAM. There is no other race in the world like RAAM. The Race inspires everyone who has been a part of it - racer, crew, staff and fans alike. RAAM is the true test of speed, endurance, strength and camaraderie, the ideal combination of work and fun! There is no race that matches the distance, terrain and weather, no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end.

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Click here to view Al's 2022 RAAM race video

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RACE INFORMATION

• Start: Oceanside, California
• Finish: Atlantic City Board Walk,
• Route: 5000 kilometres, 55,000 metres of climbing
• Crosses 12 states, passes through 88 counties and 350 communities

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THIS AIN’T NO TOUR

RAAM is a race! Unlike the three great European Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, similar to a time trial. Once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time allowed for the Tour. More importantly, RAAM is not limited to professional cyclists. RAAM is open to professional and amateur athletes alike. While solo racers must qualify to compete, anyone may organise a team and race. Racers must traverse approximately across 5000 kilometre across 12 states and climb over 55,000 vertical metres. Team racers have a maximum of nine days and most finish in about seven and a half days. Teams will ride 600-800 kilometres a day, racing non-stop. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, with the fastest finishing in just over eight days. Solo racers will ride 400-600 kilometres a day, balancing speed and the need for sleep.

 

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WHO RACES RAAM?

Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. But, the majority of racers are ordinary people with a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Every year there are racers from at least 15 countries. Over 25 countries have been represented over the 30-year history of the race. Approximately 40 % of the racers are from outside the US. About 15% of the racers are women.

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WHY RACE RAAM?

Some might echo George Mallory’s sentiment about Mt. Everest, “Because it’s there!” For most racers it is not that simple. Reasons include raising money for a charitable cause, setting a record, seeing the country, spending time with friends, adding their name to the finishers list, etc. But, overwhelmingly most people race RAAM simply to have fun and challenge themselves. Whatever the reason, RAAM is an incredible journey across a beautiful country! Not a single racer will walk away unmoved by the achievement.

 

 

MEDIA EXPOSURE

Fans from all over the world follow RAAM. Fans can follow RAAM on the web, through the bi-weekly RAAM Newsletter, race blogs, the social media (Facebook and Twitter) and traditional mainstream media. There is local, national and international coverage by the traditional media. Additionally, RAAM has at least four of its own media crews on the course providing up-to-date video, photo and text coverage. 
Race coverage statistics: 25+ million page views annually, 2500+ articles in mainstream media (TV, radio and print) This coverage provides substantial value to both sponsors and charities.

 

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RACE STATISTICS BASED ON PREVIOUS RAAM EVENTS

• 340 racers and 1000+ support crew
• 25+ countries are represented
• 60+ teams and 50+solo riders
• 250+ staff & volunteers

RAAM is an epic event and Team Jefferson are proud to be a part of it!