Challenge Nation returns to Portland for the 6th time on May 3. This afternoon urban scavenger race is a team event for all ages and levels. The website states: “Think of it like a 5K that tests your brains as much as your legs. . .”
My team and I have already registered for our return to the Portland Challenge Nation and we can’t wait. Last year we had a blast running around the streets of Portland solving clues and completing challenges. This year we’ve added one more team member to Street Smart and our team of 4 is ready to roll. Your team can have as many (or as few) members as you wish. Just remember your team has to stay together, so extra large teams can make this a challenge.
How does this race work? Teams will get a list of 12 clues to solve. Teams must travel on foot or by public transit to the various locations around Portland. (Most teams skip the public transit and travel by foot to save time.) You will have approximately 3 hours to solve 11 of the 12 clues and return to the start/finish area. Teams must take photo proof of their clue completion at each location, so make sure you bring a digital camera or your camera phone. You can use any resources you need to solve the clues including your smart phone, computer, GPS, people on the street, or by calling a friend for help. The faster you finish your clues, the faster you can return to the finish and the higher your team will rank – assuming you didn’t mess up on any of your clues.
We learned a few lessons from our experience at Challenge Nation last year and are planning to avoid a repeat of our costly mistakes in 2015. But, when you’re making decisions and solving clues on the run, sometimes your brain isn’t at its best. I tend to suffer from what I’ve come to call “Exercise Induced Amnesia.” Basically, when I’m exercising hard my brain power is not at 100%. This phenomenon has been witnessed by many of my running friends and workout buddies. I have also seen many others that have randomly been hit with this temporary condition, especially at events such as these. So, be forewarned. Your stellar problem solving skills may lose a bit of their star power during this crazy, fun event. And that’s just part of what makes this so hilariously fun.
The top 50 teams from each city qualify to compete in the Challenge Championship at the end of the Challenge Nation season in New Orleans. Last year our team ranked 73, so we’re looking to inch closer to that top 50 finish this year.
This isn’t your typical 5K, but you’ll get in at least that distance – if not more. I consider these types of events speed work. You’ll get in plenty of sprints with a variety of “activities” in between. Grab a few crazy friends, get registered for Portland Challenge, and I promise you will have so much fun. See you there!
Portland Challenge Details
Date: Sunday, May 3
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Location: TBD, Portland Venue
Registration Fees: $34.95 thru April 3 After April 3 – $55
Race Website: Click Here