Race Across the West (RAW) is a shorter version of RAAM. RAW travels the first 860 miles of the RAAM route and is a RAAM qualifying event. RAW has a solo division as well as 2- and 4-Person relay team divisions. It follows the same format and runs concurrently with RAAM. RAW was started in 2008 to offer a race longer than 500 miles and to help bridge the mileage gap to RAAM.

RAW follows the first 930 miles of the RAAM course, from Oceanside, CA to Durango, CO and starts alongside the RAAM solo racers. Traversing some of the most beautiful country in the west, RAW leaves the beach in Oceanside, climbs the Coastal Range and the drops into the scorching desert. After crossing the deserts of California and Arizona, racers begin a gradual climb into the mountains surrounding Flagstaff, AZ and eventually into the Rocky Mountains. The race finishes on the Animas River in the cycling mecca of Durango, CO.

The race travels through four states and provides a variety of terrain and climates making it the perfect race to test your mettle or hone your skills for racing RAAM.

Race Across America (RAAM) is one the most respected and longest running endurancesports events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

RAAM has a rich and storied history. In 1982 four individuals raced from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles to the Empire State Building in New York City. Covered by national television, the race captivated the public’s imagination. Teams were added in 1992 and quickly became the most popular and fastest growing segment of the race. Relay team racing made the event accessible to any reasonably fit cyclist. The 2012 race will be the 31st edition of RAAM.

There is no other race in the world like RAAM. The Race inspires everyone who has been a part of it – racer, crew, staff and fans alike. RAAM is the true test of speed, endurance, strength and camaraderie, the ideal combination of work and fun! There is no race that matches the distance, terrain and weather, no other event that tests a team’s spirit from beginning to end.

For more information about the Race Across America, please visit their website or view this short video from the 2012 RAAM: