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Race Across America 2020
June 16, 2020 @ 8:00 am - June 29, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Race Across America 2020
The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race
On Tuesday, June 16, RAAM 2020’s solo riders will start from the Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California (the teams start on Saturday, June 20).
Start: Oceanside, California, at the Oceanside Pier
Finish: Annapolis, Maryland, at the City Dock
Distance: 3000 miles
Projected 2020 Race Start Dates
SOLO Start: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
TEAM Start: Saturday, June 20, 2020
At 51 Years old, Leah Goldstein has come out of retirement to challenge the Race Across America overall record. Leah came in first in RAAM in 2011 in the female singles division.
About The Race
Racers come from all over the world and all walks of life. Racers are both amateurs and professionals. The majority are ordinary people, with full time jobs and a passion for riding their bicycle. Racers range in age from 13 to 75. Approximately 50 % of the racers are from outside the US. About 18% of the racers are women.
Every year there are racers from at least 20 countries. Over 35 countries, from six continents, have been represented over the 35-year history of the race.
When asked why? Some might echo George Mallory’s sentiment about Mt. Everest, “Because it’s there!”
For most racers the why is not quite so simple. Reasons include raising money for a charitable cause, winning a division, setting a record, seeing the country, sharing an experience with friends, adding their name to the distinguished roster of finishers, etc. But, overwhelmingly most people race RAAM simply to have fun and challenge themselves.
Giving Back
RAAM is an outstanding platform for raising money for charitable causes. It is rare that an event open to all-comers, is so challenging and has such high media coverage year round. It is these unique characteristics combined that allow racers dedicated to their cause can leverage off of. Also, unlike many events, racers have the option of which cause(s) they want to raise money for, or opt not to, it is not required. Racers annually raise collectively in excess of $2 million for a wide range of charitable causes.
This Ain’t No Tour
RAAM is a race! But, unlike the three great Europeon Grand Tours (Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Giro de Italia), RAAM is not a stage race. RAAM is one continual stage, once the clock starts it does not stop until the finish line. It is the world’s longest time trial…the ultimate race of truth.
RAAM is about 30% longer than the Tour de France. Moreover, racers must complete the distance in roughly half the time, with no rest days.
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 organize a team and race.
Racers must cycle 3000 miles, across 12 states, and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Team racers have a maximum of nine days but most finish in about seven and a half with the fastest in just over 5 days. Solo racers have a maximum of 12 days to complete the race, most finishing in 11 days with the fastest finishing in under 8 days.
Race Across America 2020 (RAAM) is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance 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.
There is no other race in the world like RAAM. There is no race that combines the distance, terrain and weather; no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end. 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 play.
Leah would like to express intense gratitude to her Race Across America 2020 sponsors, without whom this amazing race would not be possible:
John Howard Performance Sports
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