What is Challenge Nation?

Challenge Nation is America's premier urban adventure race series, coming to 35 cities in 2011, after completing our inaugural schedule of 12 cities in 2010. 

The Challenge is like a scavenger hunt on steroids! Part 5K race, part urban exploration, part clue solving, (and 100% fun) your city will serve as the amazing race course as you have a fantastic active outdoor day with your family or friends!

Teams of two or more will compete against each other to solve 12 clues we've carefully crafted, each of which will point you to a unique challenge in a new location in the city. The quickest teams to solve and visit the clues will win the cash prizes. 

What does the Challenge cost in my city?

It's a great deal for a full day of fun--the entry costs vary in each city, so check out its individual page.  Your entry includes your souvenir t-shirt, race number bib, clue sheet, bottled water, drink specials at the afterparty and of course a chance at the big cash prizes for our winners!

Who can participate? Do I need to be really in shape?

Anyone can participate, though those under age 18 need a teammate over age 18.  The clues are designed so that the most important element for success is a winning strategy, though fitness definitely won't hurt. The course will take you anywhere from 4 to 5 miles throughout the day and only public transportation and your own two feet are allowed.

How many on a team? 

There's no maximum team size--so sign up as many as you'd like. Though we've had teams of 10 people place in the top three, if you are looking to maximize your mobility, it might make sense to break your friends into groups of 4-5.--remember, you'll have to take a picture with everyone at each stop!

We do ask that each team consist of at least two members, no "one-man wolfpack" teams!

How do I add to an existing team?

To add to an existing team, have the new registrant enter your existing team's name in the appropriate box when signing up--that's all they have to do!

When is the registration deadline?

We will be taking registrations online all the way until the race begins. We strongly encourage you to sign up as soon as your team is ready so that we can guarantee your correct t-shirt size. We will be offering a limited number of full price, cash in-person raceday registrations.

When is check-in? 

Details vary by city--check your city's page for the exact start/finish locations and when the fun begins! We definitely encourage you to show up early for registration--it can get busy!

How long does the race last?

In our experience, our winners finish between 1.5 hours and 2 hours. Our average finish time is around 2.5 hours and we'll continue to take finish times for approximately 4 hours after the race for those that are enjoying themselves out there!

What is the race course?

You make the course! There is no set course from clue to clue--everybody's route is different. 

What should I wear?

Remember that you'll be getting a t-shirt at registration, so plan ahead to wear that. Otherwise, you should wear comfortable gear appropriate for the weather forecast--we'll go forward rain or shine, as long as it's not hazardous. Running shoes are probably best. There is a costume contest with a separate prize, so dress creatively if you want to compete for that prize. 

What happens if it rains? 

The race goes forward, rain or shine. The only exception will be due to extremely hazardous weather, in which case we'll send an email to all the attendees and post a notice on our website.

Are refunds available?

All registration sales are final and non-refundable for any reason. In the case of a postponement due to hazardous weather, your registration will automatically transfer to the new date OR the following year's Challenge.

What do I need to bring with me?

Very little, really. Bring your ID for registration. Bring a little bit of cash for snacks or drinks along the way. Smart phones are allowed as a tool, and one digital camera per team is required to document your success at each stop. Some teams designate one person with a backpack to carry the load for everyone else. You can pretty much bring any resource (GPS, travel books, etc) that you want to carry along!

After I sign up, what happens?

You'll receive an email immediately from Eventbrite, our registration service, confirming your transaction. You can print it for your records if you'd like, but you don't need to bring it on race day. If you got that email from Eventbrite, you're on our list! We'll send a couple of updates out to our racers, about a week out and then again about a few days out. We are, of course, always available for any questions at info@challengenation.com 

Where do we meet?

The starting location varies by city--check your city's page out to the right to get the exact details on the starting location.

Can I change a person on my team, my team name, or tshirt size?

Yes! Go to www.eventbrite.com/gettickets/ and use the email address you used to order. You may need to set a password if you did not do that when ordering. Once logged on, you'll be able to update all the information you gave us when registering, including who's on your team, team name, and tshirt size.

Can I use a car? A bike? Ride a mongoose around?

Only your own two feet and public transit are allowed. No bikes, no rollerblades, no skateboards, no cars, no hanggliders. 

Okay, my city has a bikeshare system; can I use that? 

Unfortunately, even though it's a form of "public transit" we can't allow the use of a bikeshare system because our Challengers would overwhelm it and it'd be unfair for those that didn't get a bike. So any bikes are strictly off limits!

Any other rules?

You must complete 11 of the 12 clues before heading to the finish line, which allows one clue that might be too tough or is unexpectedly unreachable on race day.

How many people are competing?

We are expecting a few hundred participants on more than 100 teams in each city--get ready for the Challenge!

Any questions we forgot?

Ask us anything at info@challengenation.com