The original idea for Miles2Meals simply started with bringing together running and charity. Running acts as a powerful catalyst for building connections and fostering a sense of community. However, typical fundraisers often follow a simple format such as a course run of a certain distance such as a mile run or a 5k. At Miles2Meals, we wanted to create an event that could be just as philanthropic while using a more novel idea and looser race format.

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What we stumbled on was a 100 Mile Relay. Two teams of 100 people each will have every team member run a mile, allowing for 100 total miles to be run in a long time frame. While the race is going on, the event aims to create a more festival type of feeling, with games, food trucks, music, T-shirt and concession sales all going on at the same time as the race. People can come run their mile, stick around and enjoy time with their friends. In essence, the 100 mile relay format allows for higher community engagement and togetherness while still accomplishing the goals of a typical fundraiser.

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The Miles2Meals 100 mile relay that was put on in 2023 actually has its roots dating back to about 50 years prior. In 1976, the community of Mt. Lebanon came together to celebrate our country's 200 year anniversary. They hosted a 200 mile relay race, which was planned to start on July 3rd and continue until the night of July 4th to a ceremonious firework celebration. This entailed 200 people running a mile each, and getting assigned a bib number correlated to each year of the country's history. The people of Mt. Lebanon kept this tradition going for a few years following, turning it into a one-day 100 mile relay that lasted annually until 1981. This idea was too good to simply fade away, so Miles2Meals has brought it back with charitable purpose.

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Obviously an unusual race format will come with some confusion in regards to sign ups. Here's how it works...

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1.  You register for the race individually, submitting your prospective mile time and indicating what time of day you are available to run.

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2.  Join a team of up to five if you would like (encouraged). Teams will be created by one person who will provide a password for their friends/families to join. Teams will run on the same group of 100 people, but will run consecutively, allowing friends/family members to stay together.

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3.  Once 200 runners have registered, registration will close and two teams of 100 runners each will be compiled. A waiting list of participants over 200 will be compiled and consecutive teams of 100 people will be created if registration reaches such numbers.

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4.  An email will be sent to all runners indicating their place in line and the approximate time of day that they will be slated to run their mile.

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5.  Runners are welcome to come and go as they please, but they should be at the North Allegheny Intermediate High School track a little bit in advance of their scheduled time so that they do not miss the handoff.

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6.  Results will be live-streamed  so you can keep track of the race’s progress and know when to be at the track.

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7.  Upon arrival at the track, you should pick up your bib number and shirt (if you ordered one) and await your turn with the baton.

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8.  Once you receive the baton, you run four laps and hand it off to the next person in line.

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9.  When runner #100 crosses the finish line, the baton will have traveled a full 100 miles and the team’s total time will be registered.

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While the race is going on, you are welcome to partake in any of the various activities and foods that will be available, and you are encouraged to cheer on your teammates.

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Information regarding awards will be communicated closer to the event date.

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