By Ben Plessinger
McNicholas High School hosted its second 24-Hour Relay Race on Friday, November 14. The event officially kicked off at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 6:00 p.m. on November 15.
Head Cross Country Coach and Math teacher Dan Rosenbaum said, “I think it is a unique challenge.” Rosenbaum also explained how difficult it can be to run the relay. “The physical challenge of running an average total of nine miles over twenty-four hours with the mental challenge of also being sleep deprived is a test for anyone.”
The relay allows the participants to test their ability in situations where the weather may not be great, while also lacking sleep and being hungry while still having to be able to push themselves through each mile. The main goal is to run as many collective miles as possible. This year, the group of 18 runners ran a total of 167 miles.
The 24-Hour Relay was established by Rosenbaum and Cross Country Assistant Coach Jennifer Russo. The event started as a simple idea from the coaches as a way to get the cross country runners to run during the off season and to have fun while doing it. What some may not realize is that the relay is not just for cross country runners; it’s open to any student or alumni who want to challenge themselves. Alumnus Bobby Fechtel, Class of 2022, decided to run this year and said he enjoyed taking part in the event to help run more collective miles than last year. The first time the event was held was in January 2025, when the temperature reached well below freezing. A group of students still showed up. This school year, the event was moved to November to increase the chance for better weather. It was 70 degrees and the number of runners increased.
Most join not only to challenge themselves but to bond with others. Senior Noah Fleischmann ran as a challenge to himself. He ran a total of 21 miles in those 24 hours.
“My favorite part was hanging out with my friends and Cross Country Team during down time,” senior Cameron Goodin said.
Junior Abby Brock added that her favorite aspect was “cheering on others and getting cheered for.” This year the runners set up cots and inflatable mattresses in the café. To help pass the time, they played video games, ate, talked and read books between 1-mile laps on the track in Paradise.
The runners are expected to eat and/or bring plenty of snacks and drink before they arrive. Parents brought in pizza around 10:00 p.m. and by 7:00 a.m. Coach Rosenbaum grilled pancakes. Coach Russo and parent volunteers brought in breakfast, then lunch for all the runners.
“In one word, [the 24-Hour Relay] is unique,” Rosenbaum said. He said he hopes to see a total of 30 runners for two teams of 15 next school year. For those who like to run and want to challenge themselves while having fun with friends, this might be the next best tradition at McNicholas High School.
The McNicholas Milestone 