This group of women has literally been running night and day in training for a 200-mile relay September 30 in western Michigan.

If you haven’t heard of Ragnar, chances are that you soon will. A long-distance relay spanning about 200 miles, in 24+ hours, Ragnar is a “bucket list” race for many dedicated runners, including Sarah Andrews of The Distance in Manchester.

This year, Ragnar, which hosts about 35-40 events across the country each year, expanded to Michigan for a race that spans from Muskegon to Traverse City.

Team SWAT (“Super Women Always Training”), is a group of 12 women brought together by connections made at The Distance. While most of the women on Team SWAT actually live in and around Manchester, one will return here to her hometown from Texas, and another from Mount Pleasant, to participate. Members include Brandi Bennett, Meg Bourland, Jennifer Budd, Carmen Desemone, Brooke Gale, Alison Geacek, Heather Jones, Sarah McCaffrey, Monica Ruthenberg, Stefanie Schulz-Mills, Amber Sidebottom, and Julie Vogel.

Coached by the currently-sidelined Andrews, who was determined to be part of the first-ever Ragnar Michigan, Team SWAT is in its peak week of training this week as the event takes place on September 30-October 1.

“I was asked to be on a team in Illinois when I first stared running,” Andrews explained, “but my kids were still really little so it didn’t seem possible. Fast forward two years and they announce the first ever Ragnar Michigan–my dream race–in my now home state!”

She adds, “I’m surrounded by strong, dedicated, determined women from my gym every day, so making a team was going to be easy. I thought convincing them it was possible and they really could do this might be a bit harder.”

But she quickly gathered 12 committed runners and two subs to create her team: Team SWAT was ready to crush this goal–for themselves, for each other, and for their coach.

“These women are mothers, wives, business owners, teachers, nurses, accountants, designers,” Andrews said. “The list of hats they all wear is endless. They have spent three months in training for this race … giving up sleep, quiet mornings at home, late nights out, and time with their families and friends.”

Andrews put together training plans for each runner based on their distances and capabilities, and said each of the women is ready to test her limits! “Training is so much more than the miles run or Boot Camps completed,” she says. “It’s sacrifice. Perseverance. Time management. Dedication. These women have invested in themselves; not just to change their outsides … but their insides, too.”

“Sarah has been inspiring in her coaching and commitment to the team,” said team member Monica Ruthenberg. “I think it’s great how a small town is being represented in a big event.”

Ruthenberg added that runners will average about 17 miles each during the Ragnar Michigan.

On Friday, Sept. 16, the 10 local members of Team SWAT gathered for a 10 pm run to try out their night gear, which includes reflective vests and head lamps. In just 10 days, they will be loading their day and night gear (and themselves!) into two vans, ready to relay their way across the Ragnar Michigan course.

“Never underestimate the power of a determined woman,” Andrews said. “And that’s exactly what this team is.”