CHILLICOTHE, OH — The wait is almost over for one of Ross County’s most anticipated athletic traditions. This Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, The Buck Fifty Relay returns for its 2026 edition, sending 140 teams on an epic 150-mile journey through the scenic and challenging roadways of Southern Ohio.
The overnight relay, which raises funds and awareness to support local youth and drug prevention efforts, will feature over 1,000 runners and 500 dedicated volunteers.
Race Schedule and Festivities
The action centers around the Ohio University Chillicothe campus, which serves as both the starting line and the final destination.
- The Start: The first wave of teams will depart at 1:00 PM on Friday, with subsequent groups taking off every 30 minutes until the final wave departs at 7:30 PM.
- The Finish: Early finishers are expected to cross the finish line around 11:30 AM on Saturday, with the final teams arriving by 6:30 PM.
To keep the energy high for participants and spectators alike, the event will feature a festive atmosphere including food trucks both days and karaoke at the finish line.
Community Safety and Support
With hundreds of runners navigating local roads through the night, organizers are asking Ross County residents for their cooperation to ensure a safe event:
- Give Space: Drivers are urged to give runners extra room on the roadway. A friendly honk, wave, or cheer is highly encouraged to keep morale up during the grueling 150-mile trek.
- Secure Pets: Residents living near the race course are asked to keep dogs secured during the event hours to avoid interference with the athletes.
- Stay Informed: Supporters can follow the race in real-time. A live tracking link is available at live.enabledtracking.com/buckfifty2026/ to see exactly where teams are located along the course.
Whether you are running, volunteering, or cheering from your front porch, The Buck Fifty remains a powerful testament to the community spirit of Ross County.
