October 28, 2013
By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor
By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor
Think you know San Diego inside and out? Put your knowledge to the test on November 2 when The Great Urban Race runs into town. Held in 25 cities throughout the United States, the Great Urban Race is a competition that tests participants in physical and mental challenges across the city. This year’s event is hosted by Red Frog Events and sponsored by BACARDĺ OakHeart, and will challenge even the most savvy San Diegans. In addition to competing for cash and other prizes, the top 25 teams have a chance to compete in the National Great Urban Race, held in San Juan on December 7, 2013.
Participants in The Great Urban Race can enter in teams of 2 to 4 people and will be tasked with completing 12 challenges throughout the city. When the race begins downtown, teams are provided with 12 clues ranging in difficulty, some of the clues will be mental, some will be physical. It’s safe to say that you can expect the unexpected. Teams may be faced with anything including solving a Sudoku puzzle, eating a strange cuisine, competing in a dance off, climbing an obstacle course and much more, in order to reveal their next destination. A word to the wise – be sure to pick the friends who don’t embarrass too easily as teammates, because for every incomplete or incorrect clue, teams will receive a 30-minute penalty on their finish time. You can check out some of the sample clues given in previous races here.
In addition to being a great way to explore San Diego, The Great Urban Race is a unique and valuable fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. During race registration, participants can choose to become a St. Jude Hero and they will receive information on fundraising for the hospital prior to the race. The Great Urban Race will also donate $10 for every person who registers as a Hero, and the team that races the most money will also receive a prize at the end of the race. Participants who raise $150 will enjoy some added perks as well, including private packet pick-up, private gear check and access to the St. Jude charging station during the race.
The first Great Urban Race was held in Chicago in 2007 and was the brainchild of Red Frog Events owner Joe Reynolds. In 2010, Red Frog Events began its national partnership with St. Jude and since then, has raised $4.5 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the Great Urban Race and other programs.
The San Diego Great Urban Race takes place on Saturday, November 2 at 12pm, and registration is still open. Visit greaturbanrace.com to learn more about how to participate in this fun and helpful city event.
