Building Team Spirit
ZLINE Employees Tackle the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey: Pushing Limits and
Over the weekend, a group of ZLINE employees came together for something a little more extreme than your typical team outing: conquering the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. This 178-mile relay race is not just a local favorite, but a true test of endurance, teamwork, and spirit. And for our crew, it became an unforgettable journey of pushing limits and discovering what it means to show up for one another, mile after mile.
The Reno-Tahoe Odyssey, affectionately known as the RTO, has been a staple of the Northern Nevada running community since 2005. Roughly 250 teams of up to 12 runners work together to complete a continuous loop from downtown Reno, through the Sierra Nevada mountains, around Lake Tahoe, into Carson City and Virginia City, and back to Reno. It’s a grueling course that spans beautiful terrain, steep climbs, long descents, and often unpredictable weather—but for those who participate, it’s an experience like no other!
This wasn’t about winning. It was about waking up before the sun rises to cheer on your teammates, enduring hours in a van, and finding motivation deep within when your body was ready to quit. Most of all, it was about connection—connecting with coworkers in a way that doesn’t happen behind a desk or over a video call, something Habum Song, a Junior Salesforce Administrator who joined ZLINE last June, reflected on after the race.
“I didn’t expect to walk away from a race feeling closer to my coworkers, but that’s exactly what happened,” Song notes. “Being part of a team where everyone is giving their all was incredibly inspiring.”
Our ZLINE team embraced every challenge with grit and good humor. Whether sprinting through a desert valley or tackling a hill climb under the stars, each runner brought energy and support to the team in their unique way. Even through moments of exhaustion, there were more moments of encouragement—shared snacks, shared playlists, and lots of laughter.
Customer Experience Specialist Taylor Lewis shares how she kept her spirits high throughout the run: “It was equal parts exhausting and unforgettable. Between the uphill and downhill climbs, questionable routes, and delirious 2 a.m. handoffs, I somehow had an amazing time! I got to know my coworkers in ways only 178 miles of shared struggle can provide. It pushed me physically and mentally, but it also reminded me of the power of perseverance, teamwork, and a good sense of humor.”
For Cinder Bettencourt, also a Customer Experience Specialist, the RTO turned out to be more than just a race—it became a personal highlight. “One of the most rewarding things I have ever done!” Bettencourt exclaims. “I signed up for a challenge and gained an entire experience filled with good laughs, beautiful people, and memories I will never forget.”
For many on the team, the RTO was the longest distance they had ever run. For others, it was a return to an event they’ve grown to love. But for everyone involved, it was a shared accomplishment. One first-time participant, Lead Marketing Manager Nicholas Kerr, says the experience pushed him out of his comfort zone
“The experience was nothing like I had expected—in the best possible way! The level of camaraderie that came from shared exhaustion with my colleagues, and cheering each other on in the early mornings and late into the night, was truly something special,” Kerr reflects. “Not only were we sharing a car for nearly 36 hours, but everyone contributed their own ‘legs’ to the team’s success.
“It required not only physical endurance but also mental strength, which is something we don’t typically share in the workplace. It was amazing to have everyone supporting one another after every single run.”
We’re proud of our teammates who represented ZLINE in this year’s Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. Their dedication and teamwork inspired us all—and maybe even motivated a few more of us to consider joining next year.
As a certified Great Place To Work®, ZLINE fosters a workplace culture that encourages personal growth, celebrates challenges, and finds time for fun along the way.
Are you looking to grow your career at a company that celebrates its employees? We’re always looking for passionate, driven individuals to join the team and help shape ZLINE’s next chapter. Take a look at our current job openings .
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