American Odyssey Relay Race

11/19/2021

We hear it time and time again, "American Odyssey Relay is more than a race. It's a community. It's a FAMILY. "

It is with profound sadness that we share that Vicki Follett, a long-time AOR volunteer, supporter and member of our AOR family, passed away last week. If you've run AOR anytime in the last decade, you might recall a lovely stretch of course along Crystal Falls Drive in Smithsburg, MD. If you timed it right, the sunset was glorious. You might remember seeing a team of exuberant and fired up Special Olympics on a front lawn complete with signs, balloons, noisemakers... and some Freddy's! And you probably enjoyed one of Vicki's homemade cookies at Transition #13, the Mt. Aetna Firehouse where she and her team set up shop every year. They arrived long before the first runner arrived and wouldn't leave until the last team came through. Fun fact, did you know that Vicki would start baking weeks in advance so she could ensure she had enough cookies for every single runner? (and a bag for her favorite race directors!) AOR truly was a family affair since her husband John has captained a team every year as well.

Vicki was a retired educator and tireless champion for Special Olympics. She touched so many lives and we will miss her infectious energy, beautiful smile and spirit so much. The entire AOR family sends its love to John and her family.

Her daughter Danielle has set up a fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics. JR Running, the parent company of AOR, has made a donation in her memory to both Special Olympics as well as Hope Connections for Cancer Support, and we're sharing details here.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/580212346574817/?fundraiser_source=external_url

09/01/2021

Our friends at Hope Connections For Cancer Support are holding their annual golf tournament on September 22nd, and this year you don't have to be in Maryland or a golfer to support! Visit https://bit.ly/HeliDrop21 to purchase a chance to win $500 - 2000 through their first helicopter drop!

04/25/2021

We’re missing all of our runners and volunteers this weekend, but we’ve heard many of you are out running virtual Odysseys of your own! Tag us & share your pics and you might see yourselves here! We can’t wait to see everyone at The Wharf in April 2022!

03/02/2021

We're sad to announce the postponement of AOR and POR 2021 to 2022, but we hope to see many of you at Rock the Creek Relay on Saturday, September 25, 2021!

01/22/2021

Happy Birthday to AOR Founder & Race Director Emeritus Bob Fleshner! Bob has brought together so many people and even facilitated a few forever relationships thanks to events like American Odyssey Relay, Mock the Clock and Rock the Creek Relay. In honor of his special day, we'd love to see your favorite pictures and memories of Bob. This pic was taken in Gettysburg in April 2018 after the famous Captain's Meeting, less than 12 hours before the start of American Odyssey Relay. It's significant because in his years as Race Director, Bob never took a moment to relax during AOR weekend because he was making sure everything was perfect for all his runners. 2018 was his first year as Race Director Emeritus (with Race Directors Robin & Joanna at the helm). Have you ever seen a smile so big?

Happy Birthday, Bob! We love you!

10/29/2020

Just two days left to support Hope Connections For Cancer Support by buying a Pink Savings Card which saves you 25% at participating stores at the Tanger Outlets. Don't forget to visit https://tngr.life/PINK2020NH or scan QR Code at the Outlet.

Save an extra 25% OFF on any single item, through October 31, with the purchase of a $10 unlimited use Pink Savings Card during our 27th Annual PinkStyle Campaign.

09/28/2020

Our friends at Hope Connections For Cancer Support missed seeing everyone this spring, but have been hard at work to ensure they can still provide incredible programming to the community. Next month, the TangerFIT 5k which supports the Tanger Outlets annual breast cancer fundraising campaign will benefit Hope Connections! It's a VIRTUAL event that participants can complete October 11 - 18. Learn more and sign up at

We’re going VIRTUAL for this year’s Annual ! Your race, your way – all for a great cause. Whether you love running backyard trails, conquering the treadmill, or walking around the neighborhood, this race is for you! Tighten your laces and get ready to make a big difference, with pr...

06/05/2020

Racial injustice will not be tolerated, and we are committed to listening, learning and being a part of the solution.

04/26/2020

Thanks for 2019 champs Medford Milers for inviting Race Directors Robin and Joanna to join your AOR Happy Hour on Friday! It’s definitely the first time in a decade we’ve enjoyed an adult beverage in the Friday night of an AOR weekend! How did YOU spend your AOR weekend? Send us your pics to [email protected]

04/26/2020

Congrats to Matt Booz who ran Legs 1-6 on Friday complete with socially distant fist bumps with long time team captain and runner Matt Sheads! We’re missing all our runners and volunteers this weekend, but seeing so many of you out there logging miles is firing us up for April 2021!

04/24/2020

Missing our Potomac Odyssey Relay friends! Who’s been getting out on the C&O for some miles?

04/20/2020

Who logged some miles this weekend?? Congrats to The Fighting 69th who wrapped up their virtual AOR complete with an appropriate socially distanced finish line and Freddy-sized face mask. Keep those pictures and videos coming! We love seeing your creativity!