Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve heard they drink a lot at Ragnar. Is that true?
Absolutely. Ragnar is fueled by electrolytes, caffeine, and “sports recovery beverages” that suspiciously taste like hard seltzer. Do people run hungover? Yes. Should you? No. Will it still happen? 100%. Just remember: hydration is key — so alternate one beer with one Gatorade, and nobody loses a kidney.
If, however, drinking makes you hostile, annoying or out of control — let us know now so we can replace you — we are a team of adults and one of the keys to being an adult is knowing how to be responsible when you are being irresponsible.
How do I pay for my spot on the team?
Easy: hand your money to the Captain. He already fronted hundreds of dollars to Ragnar months ago while you were still debating whether to buy those overpriced running shoes. The sooner you pay him back, the sooner he stops texting you passive-aggressive Venmo reminders.
What’s the bathroom situation?
Two words: porta-potties. They start clean, they end horrifying. Bring your own TP, baby wipes, and lower your standards. If you come back from Ragnar without a porta-potty survival story, you didn’t really race.
How do showers work?
They don’t. At best, you’ll wipe down with a baby wipe and call it a “field shower.” Some people brave the communal rinse stations, but honestly, dirt is just your new skin. By the end, we’re all one big family of stinky, sweaty Grinches.
I like to say — sweating is like showering from the inside out.
What if I get hurt?
Step one: trip, fall, roll an ankle, or cramp up.
Step two: post a funny photo in the group chat so we can roast you.
Step three: the Captain patches you up with duct tape, ibuprofen, and good vibes. Ragnar medics exist, but ridicule heals faster.
Then pick whoever you like least on the team to run the rest of your loops for you.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
RGF standard issue: tents, air mattresses, and poor life choices. You’ll get maybe 45 minutes of “sleep” between runs and shenanigans — usually interrupted by someone’s alarm, cowbells, or the guy in the next tent practicing chainsaw impressions. Earplugs help. So does surrendering your dignity.
What’s the team vibe really like?
Imagine summer camp, cross country practice, and a bad Christmas party combined. We tease, we cheer, we suffer together. The Grinch spirit means no one takes themselves too seriously — unless you bring weak snacks, then we absolutely take that seriously. Suffering bonds like nothing else can.
When Team RGF happens the way it should — you won’t be able to think back on it without smiling.
Do we have any traditions?
Yes. Trash talk, questionable toasts, and an unspoken competition over who looks the most destroyed at the finish line photo. Also, at some point, someone will yell “Welcome to Wooville Mother F-rs!” for no reason, and you’re contractually obligated to yell back.
How can I get a spot on the team?
We run an exclusive eight-person operation, designed solely for Ragnar Trail Florida and powered by equal parts running shoes and sarcasm. Each year, someone bails (injury, work trip, “family obligations” ????), and a golden spot opens up. To join, you’ll need an existing teammate (preferably two) to vouch for you. Why? Because Ragnar is basically summer camp for adults, and nobody wants a stranger who doesn’t laugh at fart jokes in their tent.
Do I need to be fast?
Not exactly. Our team has a blend of “solidly average joggers” and “people who somehow enjoy running uphill at 7:30/mile pace.” If your plan is to leisurely stroll your loops, RGF is not for you. But if you can consistently beat a 13:00/mile pace, you’re in the zone. Remember: it’s about teamwork, not winning medals (but also don’t embarrass us).
Do I need to train?
Only if you plan on surviving. Ragnar = three loops in 24 hours, in the dark, on trails, with no showers. Show up untrained, and you’ll discover muscles you didn’t know existed… while the rest of us discover new creative ways to insult you.
What if I hate camping?
Then you’re perfect for us. Everyone hates camping. We just do it anyway because it’s the only way Ragnar lets us participate. You’ll survive on cold brew, PB&Js, and a thin layer of dirt that will never wash off.
What should I pack?
Running shoes (plural: bring backups).
More socks than you think possible.
A headlamp (unless you want to die).
A sense of humor.
Optional but encouraged: anti-chafing cream and a festive Grinch accessory.
For your complete packing list — click here.
Will I get any sleep?
No. Next question.
What do we eat?
Trail mix, questionable burritos, and whatever snacks people throw into the team cooler. Someone will inevitably bring a Costco-sized box of protein bars that nobody likes, and by Saturday morning, you’ll eat them anyway.
Is Ragnar fun?
It’s Type 2 fun: miserable in the moment, hilarious in the retelling. Months later, you’ll only remember the bonding, the running, and the laughter — not the wet socks, the sore legs, or the guy in the next tent snoring like a freight train.