Routes!

For each state’s route, click [FlyOver] to see a video of the terrain and [Strava] to see map detail, photos, and elevation profile.

These routes are works in progress. If you have advice on these or other routes, please contact me.

These trails and countless others I considered are simply awesome. Thank you to the volunteers and professionals who maintain these trails and steward the precious habitats they traverse!

Total Distance: 1,647mi ✦ Climbing: 305,840’
Average Distance: 33mi ✦ Climbing: 6,117’

Acadia Round
Thursday, July 18

34.4 mi ✦ 9,134’ climbing ✦ 1,571’ max

Rocky and rugged loop with frequent ocean views through quintessential Maine coastal landscape. The trail starts and stops at the Village Green clock tower and loops along Hunters Beach Cove on the Atlantic and up over sixteen granite summits. A grand tour of this premier national park.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Pemi Loop
Saturday, July 20

31.0 miles ✦ 9,261’ climbing ✦ 5,249’ max

Grueling, classic loop on the ridges that encircle the Pemigewasset Wilderness, much above treeline, including one of the most glorious trail running miles in the East. Many sections quad-punishingly technical. Lghtning forecast might affect timing.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Camel’s Hump to Mt. Mansfield
Monday, July 22

29.5 mi ✦ 10,254’ climbing ✦ 4,360’ max

Steep and technical point-to-point along the crest of the Green Mountains, including the state highpoint, much on the historic Long Trail.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Great Range Traverse w/ Yard & Big Slide
Wednesday, July 24

29.2 mi ✦ 11,556’ climbing ✦ 5,343’ max

Super challenging loop graced by ten “46ers” and stunning Adirondack views. Adding Big Slide and Yard to this classic route offers cross-valley views of the route in the morning and evening. Counterclockwise direction because downclimbing the one risky move on Saddleback is no fun for me—rather go up it.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Unlikely relay potential

Black Forest Trail
Friday, July 26

42.3 mi ✦ 8,550’ climbing ✦ 2,126’ max

A classic—and challenging—loop in the Tiadaghton State Forest. Dense forest but with gorgeous views throughout. Many small stream crossings, rugged terrain, and a high density of timber rattlesnakes.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Ice Age Trail: Kettle Moraine State Forest
Sunday, July 28

32.3 mi ✦ 3,497’ climbing ✦ 1,119 max

A rolling point-to-point section of the Ice Age Trail showing off Wisconsin's famous glacial landscape, following high esker ridgelines overlooking kettle lakes. The trail traverses gorgeous pine forest and wide open prairie.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Porcupine Mtns Wilderness w/ Lake Superior
Tuesday, July 30

32.5 mi ✦ 3,095’ climbing ✦ 1,944’ max

Scenic Loop with airy ridgelines, gorgeous lake views, and bogs of the Upper Peninsula. Two out-and-backs to Summit Peak Lookout and later to the Lake Superior shore.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Superior Trail w/ Split Rock River & Corundum Mine
Thursday, August 1

37.0 mi ✦ 4,159’ climbing ✦ 1,266’ max

A loop featuring a gorgeous section of Minnesota's 300+ mile long Superior Trail. Ruggest ridgelines overlooking gorgeous Lake Superior on the way out, and hugging the North Shore on the return. Boreal forest, waterfalls and cascading streams, and many overlooks.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park
Saturday, August 3

27.5 mi ✦ 2,085’ climbing ✦ 2,719’ max

A grand figure-eight tour through the wide open prairie and badlands of one of my favorite parks. Fun rolling terrain with a lot of exposure at a hot time of year. Bison (likely during their rut, so extra caution required) and prairie dogs. Elk, coyotes, wild horses, and golden eagles. Impossibly blue mountain bluebirds in the scrub and meadowlarks singing in the low grass. Really a treasure. Many small creek crossings, made tricky by bentonite clay banks, either grabby or greasy.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Bret M.

Black Elk Peak w/ Sylvan Lake & Sunday Gulch
Monday, August 5

27.1 mi ✦ 5,793’ climbing ✦ 7,094’ max

Rocky loop through the ponderosa pine and black hills spruce of the Black Elk Wilderness. Spectacular views of Sylvan Lake and rock spires throughout, and a climb of revered Black Elk Peak, highpoint of South Dakota. Many creek crossings.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Pine Ridge Trail
Wednesday, August 7

27.7 mi ✦ 2,196’ climbing ✦ 1,520’ max

A lollipop route exploring the pine ridge escarpment along the edge of the high plains, an area of rugged natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a troubled history. Rocky outcrops, ponderosa forests, and wide-open meadows.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Tetons Circumnavigation
Friday, August 9

33.7 mi ✦ 8,165’ climbing ✦ 10,830’ max

Grand loop around the iconic tetons, a mix of some of the most popular trails (though few will be out when we are) and others little used. The summits and lakes of the Tetons are iconic, but the on-the-trail experience is even better with spectacular terrain, runnable high alpine trails, pinch-yourself views, and wildlife that always surprises. Trail closures due to wildlife activity a possibility; gorgeous alternatives available.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Amy A.

Sky Rim Trail w/ out-and-back to Sheep Mtn
Sunday, August 11

28.4 mi ✦ 8,272’ climbing ✦ 10,041’ max

This loop on the northern border of Yellowstone is among the area's most strenuous runs, though earning the most gorgeous scenery. The highlight is the spectacular Sky Rim Trail. An exposed route with lightning risk that might determine run timing. Includes an out and back along the Sky Rim Trail traversing Big Horn Peak to Sheep Mountain.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Sawtooth Wilderness lakes run
Tuesday, August 13

26.6 mi ✦ 6,331’ climbing ✦ 9,427’ max

A grand loop touring the rugged summits and high alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Running through high-elevation lodgepole and douglas fir forest and up over several mountain passes. An International Dark Sky Reserve, so maybe a super-early start? First visit for me, though on my wish list for decades.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Loowit Circumnavigation of Mount St Helens
Thursday, August 15

29.4 mi ✦ 5,697’ climbing ✦ 4,886’ max

The satellite route image above says it all: a classic loop around Mount St Helens (“La-wa-la-clough” or “Loowit”), across varied, roller-coaster terrain. Most rugged of all is the blast zone, picking our way through the rubble from the 1980 eruption. (...but maybe hosting ripe huckleberries and lingering wildflowers?) Likely hot with a lot of exposure.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Timberline Circumnavigation of Mt Hood
Sunday, August 18

40.8 mi ✦ 8,024’ climbing ✦ 7,260’ max

Most eager to run this legendary loop around revered Mt Hood (“Wy’east”), celebrating its grandeur from all sides and at all times of day. Stream crossings and blowdowns among the challenges, not to mention the continual ups and downs traversing the mountain’s flanks. Expecting/hoping I’ll be joined by a special companion!

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Tahoe Rim Loop
Tuesday, August 20

40.0 mi ✦ 8,710’ climbing ✦ 8,992’ max

A gorgeous loop heading out the historic Marlette Lake and Marlette Flume trails, weaving around rocks and through groves of aspen and conifers, and returning on the world-famous Tahoe Rim Trail. All of it fun running with often-present views over spectacular Lake Tahoe (“Da ow ga”)

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Rae Lakes Loop
Thursday, August 22

40.4 mi ✦ 6,966’ climbing ✦ 11,903’ max

A grand loop in the High Sierras: deep canyons, granite domes, high passes, and alpine lakes. Strenuous running, a lot of mileage, and at altitude, rewarded with a stunning alpine experience.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Michael H.

Capital Reef Extravaganza
Saturday, August 24

26.8 mi ✦ 6,105’ climbing ✦ 6,452’ max

A glorious loop through this less visited but equally worthy Southern Utah National Park. Otherworldly views, narrow canyons and sandstone domes and cliffs, waterfalls and pools, and a rich natural and human history. Maybe a little swim to get across one creek, likely welcome at this still-hot time of year. An International Dark Sky Park, so perhaps a very early start to enjoy night sky and await the sunrise? Difficulties include keeping an eye on creek levels; exposure to sun, heat, and lightning; and technical scrambling in spots near Sulphur Creek.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Antis E.

Four Pass Loop Circumnav of Maroon Bells
Monday, August 26

27.1 mi ✦ 7,266’ climbing ✦ 12,454’ max

A premier loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness punctuated by four hard-earned passes yielding to sweeping alpine meadows with singletrack through lingering late summer wildflowers, seemingly going on forever in the expansive Colorado landscape. Navigating the altitude and exposure near the end of the lightning-prone monsoon season.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Wichita Mountain Nat’l WIldlife Refuge tour
Wednesday, August 28

37.3 mi ✦ 3,781’ climbing ✦ 2,235’ max

Grand tour looping through wide open prairie and granite hills of this wildlife preserve, with herds of bison, pronghorn antelope, and elk. Smaller animals include prairie dogs, otters, and the state reptile, colorful mountain boomer lizards. A lot of sun exposure, but several stream crossings and lakes on route. Gorgeous views. An Oklahoma treasure.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Friday, August 30

30.4 mi ✦ 2,196’ climbing ✦ 1,560’ max

A looping route covering much of the trail network in this preserved remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie in the Kansas Flint Hills. Bison live here, and I am most excited by spending a day in the special prairie plant and bird community The banner photo a the top of this webpage is from the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. I’d love to get going early and take in the prairie sunrise.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Loess Hills State Forest
Sunday, September 1

21.6 mi ✦ 4,269’ climbing ✦ 1,440’ max

A meandering point-to-point route exploring the mixed hardwood and prairie habitat of the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. The hills were formed by blowing glacial silt and are both unusual and scenic. Possible to extend route into a loop. Some trails can get overgrow by late August, so leg cover advisable.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Eagle Rock Loop
Wednesday, September 4

26.6 mi ✦ 3,877’ climbing ✦ 1,733’ max

West Arkansas loop through the Ouachita mountains, up and over nine mountains and fording nine streams. The Little Missouri deserving special attention as water levels can get too high for safe crossing. I am a fan of the nearby Ozarks, and this will be my first time in the more mountainous Ouachita National Forest, but still with its share of craggy vistas, cascading creeks, swimming holes, and gorges.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Ozark Trail: Taum Suk section w/ Mina Sauk Falls
Friday, September 6

36.2 mi ✦ 5,286’ climbing ✦ 1,786’ max

A rocky and rugged point-to-point trail through the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Highlights include the state’s highest point and tallest waterfall, igneous glades offering grand views, unusual rock formations and a flume-fed swimming hole that will surely be inviting during a grueling late-summer run.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Shawnee Hills
Sunday, September 8

32.8 mi ✦ 3,566’ climbing ✦ 735’ max

A figure eight through the Shawnee National Forest, a technical, mostly singletrack route established by the Shawnee Hills Trail Races. Waterfalls, lush canyons, oak-hickory forest and interesting geological features.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Knobstone Trail - full
Tuesday, September 10

45.4 mi ✦ 5,560’ climbing ✦ 1,010’ max

A point-to-point route traversing the full-length of the Knobstone Trail—longest footpath in Indiana. A snaking tour through a mix of bottomlands and rugged ridgetops “knobs of the Knobstone Escarpment.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Buckeye & Wildcat Hollow Trails
Thursday, September 12

36.7 mi ✦ 5,676’ climbing ✦ 1,089’ max

Meandering loop around the shores of Burr Oak Reservior and a northern loop in the forested Appalachian hills and hollows of Buckeye National Forest.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Dolly Sods Wilderness loop
Saturday, September 14

27.4 mi ✦ 2,829’ climbing ✦ 4,166’ max

A rocky loop that circumnavigates the beloved Dolly Sods Wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest in the Allegheny Mountains. Forests and meadows, bogs and heath barrens. Includes an excursion to rugged beauty and grand views of Lion’s Head Rock in the interior.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Sanjay A.

Virginia Triple Crown Loop
Monday, September 16

34.8 mi ✦ 6,774’ climbing ✦ 3,170’ max

A challenging loop stringing together three of Virginia’s Blue Ridge gems: iconic McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth. Not much water, some scrambling, and some overgrown sections. High bear density.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

White Clay Creek State Park route
Wednesday, September 18

28.7 mi ✦ 3,883’ climbing ✦ 396’ max

Looping trail in rolling, mostly forested terrain surrounding White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River, at the DE/PA border. Critical bird habitat, historic sites, rocky outcroppings, and fun trails that also draw mountain bikers.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Appalachian Trail and Highpoint loop
Friday, September 20

33.3 mi ✦ 3,730’ climbing ✦ 1,775’ max

Though close to major metropolitan areas, this loop has many sections that are wild and rugged and varied, much of it following the Appalachian Trail. Mostly rocky single-track traversing primarily hardwood forest, wetlands, and even an Atlantic cedar swamp. Includes the state highpoint with 360 degree views.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

New England Trail
Sunday, September 22

28.4 mi ✦ 5,209’ climbing ✦ 1,034’ max

A point-to-point route along the Metacomet traprock ridges where I used to run and climb and dream in my youth. A homecoming for me, and also beautiful and rugged terrain that is fun to run and transcends the population density of Central Connecticut.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

East Beach Loop, N-S Trail, and others
Tuesday, September 24

31.8 mi ✦ 2,375’ climbing ✦ 253’ max

Loops and out-and-back trails comprise this varied tour of East Beach on the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Burlingame State Park and Kimball Wildlife Refuge.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Robert Frost Trail extended version
Friday, September 27

44.5 mi ✦ 8,858’ climbing ✦ 1,406’ max

This point-to-point route is an often-stunning and constantly changing experience of some of the best trail running in Western Mass. Fun running with frequent, often unexpected wonders including crags, ponds, swamps, rock formations, and views. Part of the same rugged Metacomet Ridge as the Connecticut route. I am in good company treasuring this local trail.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Maryland Appalachian Trail
Sunday, September 29

41.0 mi ✦ 7,874’ climbing ✦ 1,880’ max

Still considering alteratives, including Gunpowder Falls State park trails.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Route feedback thanks: Sanjay A., Tom H., Ben S.

Big South Fork Nat’l River & Recreation Area
Tuesday, October 1

27.2 mi ✦ 5,355’ climbing ✦ 1,427’ max

Gorgeous double loop on gorgeous single track past waterfalls, ledgy overhangs and natural arches. Historical tour through the abandoned coal mining town of Blue Heron. Several creek crossings. A Dark Sky area, so perhaps a pre-dawn start?

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Big South Fork Nat’l River & Recreation Area
Thursday, October 3

28.8 mi ✦ 2,746’ climbing ✦ 1,611’ max

Elegant loop offering many ledgy overlooks of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and and traveling down through hardwood forests dense with mountain laurel. Hoping to add the 4.9 Twin Arches Loop Trail near mile 23. Maybe a quick visit to the backcountry Charit Creek Lodge. A Dark Sky location so perhaps we can consider an early start to enjoy the night sky, weather permitting.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners
Route feedback thanks: Jeff D.

Tricorner Knob Loop via Appalachian Trail
Saturday, October 5

34.7 mi ✦ 7,600’ climbing ✦ 6,310’ max

This classic loop stringing together spectacular knobs and gaps, and also sweet singletrack lined with moss through hardwood forest. Just under half if this loop follows the Appalachian Trails, and the route includes a 1.2mi out and back to Mt Cammerer Overlook for one of the best views in the Smokies.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Route feedback thanks: Jeff D.

Jones Gap - Caesars Head Loop
Monday, October 7

28.5 mi ✦ 6,337’ climbing ✦ 3,097’ max

A challenging, often steep loop featuring several waterfalls and overlooks. Travels through oak and hickory forest, with rhododendron, ferns, and mosses flanking the often creekside trails.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Chattahoochee Nat’l Forest
Wednesday, October 9

33.8 mi ✦ 9,269’ climbing ✦ 4,256’ max

Two loops linked by the Appalachian Trail through old forest and rugged terrain of northern Georgia. Breathtaking views, undulating and often very steep singletrack—considered a worthy representation of the southern Appalachians.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Route feedback thanks: Jeff D.

Cheaha Wilderness Tour with Pinhoti Trail
Friday, October 11

28.4 mi ✦ 5,669’ climbing ✦ 2,332’ max

A figure eight route through varied terrain showcasing the beauty of Talladega National Forest and Cheaha Wilderness. Pinhoti, Skyway Loop, Nubbing Creek, and Chinnabee Silent Trails follow creeks past waterfalls and swimming holes under longleaf pine and oak, and traverse scenic ridges.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Space Coast Beach run with Four Preserves
Sunday, October 13

44.1 mi ✦ 216’ climbing ✦ 39’ max

A loop(y) route heading north on one of Florida’s premier running beaches to catch the sunrise, then looping back south through several parks and preserves, sampling some of Florida’s exquisite habitats. Florida has many worthy long-distance trails, but most had a good probability of deep-water wading during October.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Black Creek National Hiking Trail
Tuesday, October 15

32.2 mi ✦ 2,247’ climbing ✦ 275’ max

An out-and-back low country route loosely following the wildlife-rich Black Creek, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Much of this route is in the Black Creek Wilderness, hugging Black Creek in spots, and passing swamps under longleaf pines, but also including upland sections along piney ridges.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Chicot State Park w/ Arboretum trail walk
Thursday, October 17

32.4 mi ✦ 1,882’ climbing ✦ 1,873’ max

A large loop around Lake Chicot with lakeside excursions throughout. Bottomland hardwood forests and gorgeous primordial cypress swamps. Small walking-only loop at the end through the Louisiana State Arboretum.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential

Outer Mountain Loop--Big Bend
Saturday, October 19

31.8 mi ✦ 6,453’ climbing ✦ 7,069’ max

Loop in Big Bend National Park on the Mexico border is strenuous and exposed and hot and dry—safety planning, such as water caching, is essential. The route traverses the Chisos Mountains woodlands of piñon, juniper, and oak and the Chihuahuan Desert. Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park, so perhaps an early morning start to enjoy the night sky and minimize time in the hot sun?

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Gila Wilderness w/ hot springs and CDT
Monday, October 21

35.3 mi ✦ 8,168’ climbing ✦ 7,396’ max

Super-fun slender loop through varied terrain from rolling hills to steep canyons, often following or crisscrossing creeks. Some of the route follows the Continental Divide Trail, and the canyon bottom hosts some remote and gorgeous hot springs. This area has a rich and largely unknown human history possible going back thousands of years. Running these trails feels very special.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim
Wednesday, October 23

47.5 mi ✦ 12,465’ climbing ✦ 8,178’ max

Out-and-back journey through this treasure of geologic and cultural history. Super-fun running through a singularly stunning landscape. And ice-cold lemonade at Phantom Ranch! The climbing is intense, but the real challenges are cooling, hydrating, and fueling through a long day under an unrelenting sun. Maybe condor spotting?

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Kalalau Trail w/ side trail excursions
Saturday, October 26

28.7 mi ✦ 8,047’ climbing ✦ 1,244’ max

Out-and-back route along the world-famous Nā Pali wilderness coastline on Kauai. Trail undulates from beaches to the heights of steeply fluted coastal mountains. Stream crossings can become dangerous quickly, requiring waiting on water levels to fall, and trails with precipitous drop-offs are often narrow and particularly slippery when wet. The necessary vigilance is rewarded by lush vegetation, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

No relay potential
Restricted Number of Runners

Kesugi Ridge Trail
TBD, probably late May 2025

30.0 mi ✦ 5,968’ climbing ✦ 3,507’ max

A spectacular point-to-point route through varied terrain, traversing lush boreal forest and exposed alpine ridge tundra. If we are lucky, and we’ll do our best to be lucky, we will have jaw-dropping views of Denali and the impossibly high skyline of the Alaska Range, often and notoriously shrouded in clouds.

[FlyOver] ✦ [Strava] ✦ [GaiaGPS]

Relay potential