Adventure race preview: 2016 Get A Clue Scavenger Race

If you like adventure races, but can do without the mud and basic training style physical ordeals of events like The Warrior Dash or Race The Reaper, you'll love the Get A Clue Scavenger Race on June 4th in Canby. Teams of 2-5 work together to find their way around town, locating checkpoints and completing a wide variety of challenges. There is no set course, and the tasks (not revealed in advance) require a combination of dexterity, puzzle-solving, agility, creativity, lack of shyness, and who knows what else? While strength and speed may play a small role, the emphasis is mostly on brains over brawn.

When fellow Run Oregon blogger Kelly and I did Get A Clue a couple years ago, the challenges included finding a particular colored ball in a pool of balls, writing and performing a rap song, waving an advertising sign to get a car to stop, building a Lego kit, and other assorted hijinks.

Finding your way to the checkpoints is the overriding challenge, and figuring out the most efficient route is the key to solving the puzzles within the two-hour time limit and racking up the most points without incurring any time penalties.

Canby is the perfect sized town for an event like this: Large enough to get in a three to six mile run as you move from checkpoint to checkpoint, but with little traffic and an open, relaxed vibe. The local businesses that take part in the event and host many of the checkpoints add to the low-key and friendly atmosphere.

Since there is no set course, and the locations of the checkpoints are for you to discover, there will be no aid stations. So remember to bring your own water and other supplies.

Fun is the keyword for the Get A Clue Scavenger Race, and you’re almost guaranteed to have a smile on your face for most of the day. The top three teams will receive medals, and be sure to stick around for the great raffle drawing with many high quality prizes.

What: Get A Clue Scavenger Race

When: Saturday, June 4th

Where: Canby, OR (Horning Hall at the Clackamas County Event Center, just off Hwy. 99E)

What time: 9:30a start (Teams must return by 11:30a to avoid time penalties). Day of race registration and packet pick-up begins at 8:45a.

Registration: $30 per person through June 2nd, $35 day of race. Kids 12 and under can deduct $5. You can register online HERE with no added fees.  Pssst… Run Oregon readers can save $5 on registration until May 28th with THIS LINK!