Community News

Coast-to-Coast Relay to Celebrate America 250 - Starts JULY 1st

 

by: Dave Whitson
Published: June 22, 2026

 

FRONT ROYAL, VA...In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and unify our country.

Participants will carry a specialized baton displaying the header and carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. There will be three batons to choose from - each engraved with the three founding principles in the document: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. There will be three different colors assigned to each baton as well - red, gold and blue.

This national celebration kicks off on JULY 1st from Point Reyes National Seashore in California and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge on July 4th! The relay calendar is now available to review here: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.