What the heck is this Great Urban Race?
The Great Urban Race is a one-of-a-kind urban adventure. Teams of two solve clues and complete challenges while navigating through the city and using public transit.
It's a scavenger hunt, road race, and wandering party - all rolled into one heck of a fun day!
What do I get?
1. A fun day!
2. A memorable adventure!
3. T-shirt.
4. National Championship Qualifier medals (Top 25 teams).
5. Variety of possible prizes (best overall photos, best costume, 1st, 2nd,
3rd, National Championship qualification, Family Division 1st).
6. Post-race refreshments (fruit, water, etc.)
7. Chance at $10,000 in the National Championship.
8. Possible goodies, depending on your city.9. Clue sheet.
10. Race number.
11. A story to tell.
What should I wear?
Dress for the elements.
Dress for a day of running and/or walking.
Dress fun.
Most teams wear running shoes and many teams wear custom team
costumes - the best costume wins a prize.
I’m in – what’s the damage?
Check your city’s Registration page for details.
Where do we meet?
Check your city’s Registration page for details.
How do we qualify for the National Championship?
Finish among the top 25 teams at your local race.
I'm registered, but I / my teammate got injured / can't make it. Can I get a refund?
We don't offer any refunds, but you can transfer your registration to a different person or transfer your
registration to a different race in 2008.
To switch your registration please email your confirmation number, city, the name of the teammate(s) being
replaced and the new teammate's name, email address, and t-shirt size to info@greaturbanrace.com.
What's the family division all about?
The family division is reserved families with one racer under the age of 18. We will give a separate award
for the top family team at each race.
Keep in mind, The Great Urban Race is difficult to complete and designed for adults, so if there are
young participants, they may need assistance from an older team member.
Teams in the family division are allowed to compete in 2-4 person teams.
Should a team in the Family Division finish among the top 25 at the local race, they will qualify for the
National Championship, but must choose two members from their team to compete (if the team has three
or four people).
Can I participate with a group?
Absolutely. You must sign up as two-person teams, but feel free to buddy up with other teams if you’re looking to have fun with a group of four or more friends.
What should I bring?
Required:
1. A fun attitude!
2. A sense of humor!
3. Digital camera.
4. Cell phone.
5. Pen and paper.
6. Identification.
7. Matching uniforms (provided race t-shirts are okay).
8. $10 or more in cash.
Up to you:
1. Water / snacks.
2. A backpack.
3. GPS.
4. Maps.
5. Guidebooks.
6. Laptop.
Digital Camera?
This is an official BYODC event - Bring Your Own Digital Camera. You’ll use it to take a picture of you and your teammate at most checkpoints.
Don’t have a digital camera?
Ask family and friends to borrow theirs – odds are you know somebody who has one.
How are you involved with Livestrong?
A portion of every team's registration goes toward this great cause.
I’m out of shape. Can I do this?
You’ll be able to complete the course. That said, expect to return to the finish with wobbly knees and sweaty pits.
Do I have to know my city like a tour guide, or what?
No. Think on your feet and you’ll have a shot to win no matter.
What’s the course? / Where do we go?
There’s no set course. Find your own way.
It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ race.
Public Transport?
You betcha! Expect it to be to your advantage to use public transportation at certain times during the race.
Will I have to eat things?
Possibly, but you won’t have to eat large quantities of food or ‘gross’ food. Think slices of pizza or the like. If there’s a food challenge, it’ll always be a skip option.
How long is the race?
The course is designed so the winners should finish in 2-3 hours, the majority in 3-4 hours, and the race is done after five hours. The distance of the race depends on the route you take. Think five miles on your feet, maybe less, maybe more – it’s up to you.
What if I can’t find a checkpoint?
Don’t give up! Keep looking, ask for help, tell your phone-a-friend to get his/her act together.
Can my cousin / co-worker / grandma be my teammate?
Be alive, human, and 13 or older (or accompanied by an adult) and you qualify.
What if it rains?
Rain or shine, the race will go on.
Will I be on TV?
Depending on the city, there might be some local coverage of the event.
Who thought of this?
Great Urban Race is the brainchild of Joe Reynolds.
Contact Joe at joer@greaturbanrace.com or read more about him in the About Us section.
Where is The Great Urban Race based?
The Windy City.
I can’t participate, but I’d like to volunteer. What do I do?
Thank you. Email us at info@greaturbanrace.com
I have another question. How do I find the answer?
Email us at info@greaturbanrace.com