This virtual challenge aims to raise $500,000 in support of T1D research

New York, June 9, 2020 – JDRF, the global leader in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, and Ragnar, the largest overnight running relay series in the United States, announced the “200 for T1D” Virtual Relay Challenge.

The 200 for T1D challenge will allow runners all over the country to virtually connect with friends, family and co-workers with the collective goal of running 200 miles and raising $200 each to support JDRF’s mission to find cures for T1D.

“We are excited to partner with Ragnar on this amazing challenge. Given the current environment, the opportunity to come together for a common goal is more important than ever,” said Joe Watterson, Vice President of Corporate Development at JDRF. “The 200 for T1D Challenge represents everything that both JDRF and Ragnar stand for, ordinary people doing extraordinary things and facing challenges head-on together. We cannot wait to see the community go the extra mile for T1D.”

The challenge will begin with a virtual opening ceremony on Friday, June 19th, and culminate with a finish line celebration on Sunday, June 21st. Throughout the weekend, competitors are encouraged to showcase their progress towards 200 miles on social media.

“At its core Ragnar is about doing something together that we could never do on our own,” said Tanner Bell, Founder and CEO at Ragnar. “We can’t Cure Type 1 Diabetes on our own, but when the people at incredible organizations like JDRF, Medtronic, and Ragnar come together we realize curing T1D is closer than we think. In these challenging times, the T1D community needs our support now more than ever and the Ragnar Nation is proud to answer that call.”

Runners can create a team as a captain with 1- 36 participants or join an existing team. Corporate teams like event supporter Medtronic, have joined this challenge to stay connected with colleagues while employees are working remotely, during a time when loss of connection can impact physical and emotional wellness.

Each team member is encouraged to raise $200 or more, unlocking Ragnar and JDRF swag. Registration is free and open to the general public.

For more information about this partnership and the 200 for T1D event, click here.

About JDRF
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF

About Ragnar

Based in Utah, Ragnar is the largest overnight running relay series in the United States. Traversing inspiring and scenic destinations around the country, these events make testing your limits a team sport. In the Reebok Ragnar Relay Series, teams of 12 run a 200-mile relay over two days and one night; in Ragnar Trail Relays, teams of 8 run a 120-mile trail relay over the same time span. The more than 100,000 runners that participate each year embrace their inner wild to conquer what they thought impossible; sacrifice sleep for unforgettable moments and cross the finish line to receive our glorious finisher medals and coveted Double Medals. Co-founded in 2004 by Ragnar CEO, Tanner Bell, the company began as a single relay from Logan to Park City, UT and has grown to include a portfolio of Reebok Ragnar Road Relays, Ragnar Trail Relays, Sprint Relays, and Sunset Relays, with more locations coming online every year. Engage with us on Twitter @RagnarRelay or on Facebook @TheRagnarRelaySeries.