The Great Urban Race

Teams get a list of 12 challenges to complete. Some are mandatory and others optional. The goal is to be the first team to complete 11 of the 12 tasks.

Each challenge is different and could be a puzzle, physical task, scavenger hunt, etc. The rules are loose...basically you can bring anything you want (cell phone, laptop, GPS, etc) and can only walk, run or use public transportation.

Check out the official race rules for more info.

Yes! The top three teams in each city win a cash prize and free entry into the National Championship race in New Orleans. There are also prizes for best costume and family division first place.

The top 25 teams in each city qualify for entry into the National Championship race. The winner of the Championship race wins $10,000!

The 2012 Great Urban Race will be held in the following cities:

2/25/2012 - Scottsdale
3/3/2012 - Houston
3/24/2012 - Tampa
3/31/2012 - Santa Monica
4/14/2012 - Atlanta
4/28/2012 - Austin
5/5/2012 - Boston
5/12/2012 - Washington DC
6/16/2012 - Madison
6/23/2012 - Portland
7/21/2012 - Chicago
8/4/2012 - New York City
8/11/2012 - Seattle
8/18/2012 - San Francisco
8/25/2012 - Denver
9/15/2012 - Philadelphia
9/22/2012 - Minneapolis
9/29/2012 - Charlotte
10/13/2012 - Dallas
10/20/2012 - San Diego
11/10/2012 - Las Vegas Championship

Identify your support team - Ask friends or family who are good at finding information on the web or know a lot about the city to be your on call support team.

Communicate - You'll need good communication with your teammate and your support team.

Solve the clues first - Take time up front to solve as many clues as possible and map them out.

Ask locals for help - Everyone we asked on the street for information or to help us take a picture was very helpful.

Cooperate with other teams - At some of the spots the only people around to take your picture will be another team.

Check on public transportation - Familiarize yourself on subways and bus routes. Check for any scheduled maintenance that could slow you down.

Camera - Other people will need to use your digital camera to take your picture. Bring a small camera that's easy for strangers to use. Make sure it's easy to get in and out of your pocket quickly.

Water - The only water you'll have is what you bring or stop to buy along the way. Get a Camelbak to carry your water easily.

Map - Bring a paper map that you can mark up and plot your course on.

Comfortable Clothes - You'll be outside and probably doing a lot of running, walking and other crazy stuff. Be comfortable.