Ragnar Relay D.C. Course Altered Because Of Government Shutdown

Three legs are removed and another is modified because of national park closures.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Washington, D.C.-area races such as the Army Ten-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon would not be affected by the U.S. government shutdown.

And while that still holds true, the Ragnar Relay race that ends in the nation’s capital on Saturday will have an altered route because of the gridlock on Capitol Hill.

According to a letter from race director Milo Williams sent to runners, the course has been shorted 18 miles — from 198 to 180 — for the two-day race that starts Friday in Cumberland, Md.

Leg No. 11 of the course was modified, while legs 32, 34 and 35 were taken out because of national park closures. Organizers released a modified map for leg 11.

Williams said that any teams that run on the three legs that are closed will be disqualified.