A once-in-a-generation relay is set to cross the United States in honor of America’s 250th anniversary—and it’s far from your average race.
The American Discovery 250 Relay will carry a copy of the Declaration of Independence from California to Delaware, traveling thousands of miles along the iconic American Discovery Trail.
Beginning in July 2026 and ending on Thanksgiving Day, the relay will connect communities across the country while celebrating American history, culture, nature, and outdoor adventure.
Participants from across the U.S. are invited to join for a day—or even longer—as this historic journey makes its way from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.
What is the American Discovery Trail?
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is recognized as the nation’s first coast-to-coast recreational trail, stretching approximately 6,800 miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Managed by the American Discovery Trail Society, the route connects urban centers, small towns, mountain ranges, forests, deserts, and major historic landmarks across the United States.
As part of both America’s 250th anniversary and the trail’s own milestone celebrations, the organization created the American Discovery 250 Relay—a multi-month journey that will transport a ceremonial copy of the Declaration of Independence across 15 states.
The relay is not a competitive sporting event, but rather a national celebration of community, history, and the outdoors. Along the route, local communities are expected to host affiliated events, educational gatherings, and celebrations as the relay baton passes through.
Major milestones currently planned include a Golden Gate Bridge crossing on July 4, visits to iconic waterways and landmarks, a stop in Washington, D.C., and a final finish at the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware on Thanksgiving Day.
How to sign up to participate in the American Discovery Trail relay
Anyone interested in joining the relay can register through the relay race’s official website.
Organizers are currently seeking individual relayers, families, walkers, runners, cyclists, and teams to participate in different segments of the journey.
Participants can sign up for a single day or multiple days, depending on availability and location preferences.
Because different trail segments vary in terrain and accessibility, registration allows participants to choose their preferred dates, travel mode, and route sections.
According to organizers, many relay participants are also becoming members of the American Discovery Trail Society through a contribution, helping support the trail and future programming.
To participate:
- Visit the official relay registration page
- Review the relay calendar and route options
- Select your preferred date(s) and trail segment
- Complete the registration form and waiver
