Race Across America Kicks Off

The 3,000-mile Race Across America began Tuesday beneath the Oceanside Pier.

In its 31^st year, it is considered the longest-running endurance race in the world and ends in Maryland.

RAAM is about 30 percent longer than the Tour De France, according to its organizers and racers have a maximum of nine days to finish.

For second-time RAAM racer Paul Carpenter of Batavia Illinois, completing the race depends a lot of pacing oneself.

“You’re not going to with this race in the first three days, but you can lose it in the first day,” he said.

The event also brings more than 300 international racers, race crews and fans. It’s also a boon to the local economy, Mayor Jim Wood told the crown.

“Every year, I get to meet friendly people from around the world,” he said.

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