Teams Brave Rain, Finish 40-Mile Scandinavian Relay Across Bamberg County

Runners and walkers from across the region pushed through gray skies to finish the 40-mile Scandinavian Relay Race that wound through the towns of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. The relay was divided into eight legs, each run or walked by an individual team member, and organizers completed the event Saturday despite forecasts for rain and possible ice.

Race Director Laura Broussard said organizers altered the schedule to prioritize safety, moving the start 30 minutes earlier so participants could return home before conditions worsened. “We are incredibly grateful to every team that showed up and supported the Scandinavian Relay Race, even with the weather working against us,” Broussard said. Broussard also highlighted a new partnership with Dam to Dam Relay that helped launch the Steadfast Relay initiative this year. “This partnership allows the impact of the Scandinavian Relay Race to extend beyond race day and continue serving communities right here at home,” Broussard added.

Bamberg County Councilwoman Michelle Martin thanked participants and the essential workers who managed roadway safety during the event. “I want to send a huge thank-you to all of the runners and walkers who participated in the Scandinavian Relay Race, and to our essential workers, especially our police officers and firefighters, who were out on Bamberg County roadways keeping everyone safe,” Martin said. Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston noted the county’s role in supporting the relay and signaled continued backing for the event. “We’re proud to support an event that brings people together and showcases the strength of teamwork and community,” Preston said. “I look forward to supporting the Scandinavian Relay Race again in 2027, and hopefully with much better weather.”

The decision to proceed under inclement conditions highlighted several public health and community safety considerations for Bamberg County. Rain and the potential for icy patches increase the risk of slips, falls, and vehicle incidents along rural roadways, and the presence of police officers and firefighters on course patrols reduced those hazards. Events that draw regional participants also place temporary demand on emergency medical services and county resources, underscoring the need for coordinated planning between race organizers and local agencies.

The Steadfast Relay partnership promises a broader community benefit into the future by directing race proceeds to communities across South Carolina. For a county with dispersed rural populations, funds from grassroots events can help shore up community programs and support equitable access to services, especially when local governments and volunteers work together.

Organizers and county leaders framed the race as both a test of endurance and a reminder of community solidarity. For those who tracked runners across Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, the race was a practical demonstration of teamwork and local pride. For more information, contact the Office of Public Information at info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.