The Market-to-Market Relay is on Saturday, October 17, 2026. It raises money for the Great Plains Trails Network, and the Ak-Sar-Ben ARC has supported it for all 19 years.
Teams of 6 to 8 runners cover 75 miles from Seymour Smith Park in Omaha to the Haymarket in Lincoln, in 3- to 5-mile stages along trails, streets, and gravel roads. Omaha hams cover the first half; Lincoln hams take over at the Platte River (exchange point 9).
What we do
At each exchange point we log when runners arrive and when the last runner has left, and relay it to Net Control. If someone needs minor medical help, we call the medical team stationed at every other exchange point. Mobiles and handhelds both work, depending on the location.
We like two hams at every exchange point — it's busy when waves of runners come through, and it covers an equipment failure or a last-minute cancellation. That means about 20 volunteers.
Schedule
Arrive shortly before the exchange crew (about 15 minutes before the first runners), and leave 15–30 minutes after the last runner. Times may change as the date gets closer.
| Exchange | Location | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Start) | Seymour Smith Park | 4:15 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 2 | Twin Creek Cinema | 4:45 AM | 10:45 AM |
| 3 | Halleck Park | 5:15 AM | 11:15 AM |
| 4 | Sumtur Amphitheater | 5:45 AM | 11:45 AM |
| 5 | Nebraska Christian College | 6:15 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 6 | Springfield Fairgrounds | 6:55 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | Buffalo Road | 7:15 AM | 1:45 PM |
| 8 | Platte River Bridge parking lot | 7:45 AM | 2:15 PM |
| 9 | South Bend / Platte River | 8:30 AM | 2:45 PM |
| 10 | 310th and Mynard (if we have enough volunteers) | 9:00 AM | 3:15 PM |
Teams dress up in costumes, and there are prizes for best costume, vehicle, and team name. It's seriously fun, even as a spectator.
Questions? Email M2M@aksarbenarc.org.