• What is an Adventure Rat Race? And who can do it?
  - A: Solo Athletes or Teams will travel an unmarked course by plotting the checkpoint locations using UTM coordinates and maps provided. You can view a UTM tutorial from our "Training" page. Each race has different disciplines, which will include some or all of the following: Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Trail Run/Trek, Rappel, Navigation, (See each venue for race specific disciplines). Teams race the entire course together....it is not a relay event. Regardless of whether you are an elite athlete or simply an aspiring one, the Adventure Rat Race series is designed to be not only challenging but more importantly FUN. OVER 90% of entrants should finish the FULL course; so don't be too intimidated, YOU CAN DO IT! Each venue may have different course lengths available so check the race venues for which course options are offered. The courses will change from year to year at each venue, as well as the course options. Below are the general lengths and difficulties for each race/course.
• Are the Rat Races a relay format?
  - A: No, they are not a relay format. Teams will race the entire course together
• Do all team members have to check-in at each stage or the race the same time?
  - A: It is required that all team member to check-in together to get credit for that stage/leg of the race
• Do I have to do the ropes section of the race?
  - A: We certainly encourage you to do it, as it is usually the highlight of the race for most participants. But, we don't require you to do the ropes. Each race is a little different. Either you can skip the ropes for a time penalty or you will be ranked behind any team that does complete it. See each race for specifics.
• What is the Revitalization project?
  - A: The Rat Race will work closely with the Graffiti Czar and the Code Compliance Department in each of the host cities to utilize the race participants in a Rat Race City Revitalization Project.

   

  One leg of The Rat Race will take athletes to a city-approved project to help make the host city we're racing in a better place to work and play.

   

  Our Motivation:

  One of our main motivations in developing The Adventure Rat RACE has been to make people aware that as an events company (such as ours), can offer a great athletic event that gives the athletes a fun and exciting race in an urban setting while being able to give back to the city we play in; through a revitalization project co-developed with the host city.  It is our goal to provide and protect our environment we live in. We want to show the world that there exists, in this unique event, a tangible and effective way to get project done through volunteer hours where we leave behind great scenic beauty and with a great diversity of personal pride from our event so that we will become a model for other athletic events around the country.

• Are there prizes?
  - A: There are prizes for the winning top male and female solo’s, top winning 2 & 3 person male, female, & coed teams, who complete the course, with all activities completed, in the fastest time.
• Can I have support from individuals that are not on my team?
  - A: The Rat Race is an "unsupported", this means that you do not have to have a support crew, and any assistance from any outsider (non-Rat Race participant) is not allowed during the race. You will transport your gear to transition areas. Or, you will be required to drop your gear at the designated transition areas prior to the start of an activity.
• If I register now, can I switch categories or teammates later?
  - A: Yes, as long as the race isn't sold out you can switch categories or divisions at any time. Please give us at least 10 days notice prior to the race. Please email to make team changes. racedirector@runrat.com
• How safe is Adventure Racing?
  - A: Your safety is our primary concern. EMT First Responder personnel will be on hand. An emergency reaction plan with local Emergency Medical Services and 911 is in place for all events. Safety personnel will be on the shore and in the water for all paddling portions of the event. We are working directly and indirectly with the following agencies; City Ambulance, Search and Rescue, City Sheriff, Water Rescue, and City 911 Dispatch.

  All participants are accounted for as they pass each checkpoint.

  Cut off times may be enforced to ensure racer and volunteer safety. Cut off times are variable and may be determined by race officials for any reason. Cut off times include designated time limits, snow, freezing rain, fog, race course conditions, remaining light or any number of circumstances that may arise the day of the event. With this in mind the course is designed to allow most competitors to finish.

  Adventure Racing is not without danger. In many instances you are not competing against other entrants but against the clock. We go to great extremes to ensure a safe event. It is however your responsibility to know your limits and to put safety first! If you are not already educated in outdoor safety, local pedestrian and traffic laws please do so before registering for any of these events.

• Do I need to train for The Rat Race?
  - A: The Adventure Rat Race will punish you, no matter your shape or size or current level of fitness. As such, we encourage all “RATS” to increase their physical training in anticipation of the event. That said, the event is as much about mental toughness, problem solving, teamwork, and camaraderie (and having a great time) as anything physical.
• Will there be education/skills classes for some of the different legs of The Rat Race?
  - A: Yes. Each city will be hosting activity specific skills clinics. Please refer to each cities calendar info for skills clinic details.
• Is The Rat Race a Race?
  - A: it is a race, but it is up to you whether you complete the route and all the check points at race pace or snail’s pace. There is a time limit (this varies city by city) to complete it and you can walk around the course if you wish. You will be given an electronic timing chip to record your time around the route and to provide us with a way of keeping track of everybody who is out on the course.

REGISTRATION:

• I am not sure if I am registered. Is there a place I can check?
  - A: Coming soon!
• When is The Adventure Rat Race coming to my area?
  - A: Keep reviewing our website as will be adding more cities.
• Is there an age requirement to participate?
  - A: Anyone of 16 years of age can participate. Minors will need parent / guardian to sign minor waiver.
• What is the deadline for registration?
  - A: Register soon…before the event sells out.
• How much does it cost?
  - A: To participate in the Rat Race Urban Adventure cost $89 per athlete. Two-person team cost $178. Three-person teams cost $267. Entry fees increase 2 weeks prior to race day. *Register early to assure the race doesn’t sell out. (Each city will have different maximum number of participants allowed.)
• Are prices listed per team or per person?
  - A: $89 per athlete. Two-person team cost $178. Three-person teams cost $267. Entry fees increase 2 weeks prior to race day.
• What is included with the entry fee?
  - A: Coming soon!
• Can I bring friends and family to watch?
  - A: Yes!!! This unique event is as much fun to watch as participate.
• Do I have to sign a waiver to participate?
  - A: Yes. You will electronically sign one during online registration and then sign another one by hand at packet pick-up the morning of the race. You can also print out the waiver to sign and initial before the race.
• I’m injurded and can’t run, can I get a refund?
  - A: Sorry, there will be no race refunds. There are NO refunds for any reason; medical, personal, family, business or other. Once registered you may not transfer your entry to another race. You may find a substitute(s) for your teammates; there is no charge to designate a replacement. * To designate a substitute for your entry you must make this change 10 days prior to the race.

TEAMS:

• Can a team name be changed?
  - A: Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates or team name and we will update your entry.
• Can the size of a team be changed?
  - A: Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates size and we will update your entry.
• Are teams required to finish together?
  - A: It is required that all team member to check-in/finish together to get credit for that stage/leg of the race.
• My friends and I registered as individuals but now want to be part of a team. How do we do that?
  - A: Yes, send us an email with any changes to your teammates or team name and we will update your entry. *All changes need to be made 10 days prior to race.
• What happens if our team name is already taken?
  - A: Create a different team name. *Be more creative!

TRAINING:

• How should I train for The Adventure Rat Race?
  - A: The Adventure Rat Race will punish you, no matter your shape or size or current level of fitness. As such, we encourage all “RATS” to increase their physical training in anticipation of the event. That said, the event is as much about mental toughness, problem solving, teamwork, and camaraderie (and having a great time) as anything physical. So, Yes -you must train you dirty rats!
• What should be worn during the event?
  - A: The event takes place at different times of year depending on the city that you plan to compete, which means it could be hot…but it could be chilly too, so you should prepare for the weather conditions that are expected and take part in what you feel most comfortable in. Remember, you could be getting wet a number of times. This will involve total immersion in water. Getting in and out of the river or lake will cool you down quickly; so good breathable, quick drying fabrics are suggested. Wear shorts, socks and footwear that will dry quickly afterwards, if possible. You will be wearing the same clothing throughout with no changing involved, so make sure you are comfy in these clothes and that they won’t get too heavy when they get wet. For the running or walking, you will be on pavement a good deal of the time, but there will be some off road sections, so good robust trainers should be used; trainers you don’t mind getting wet, of course. There is also a chance that you will be getting muddy.
• How fit do I need to be to participate?
  - A: The Adventure Rat Race will punish you, no matter your shape or size or current level of fitness. As such, we encourage all “RATS” to increase their physical training in anticipation of the event. That said, the event is as much about mental toughness, problem solving, teamwork, and camaraderie (and having a great time) as anything physical. If you have ever ran a 5K, 10K, or raced in a sprint distance triathlon…you will be ready to go.
• Can I review the race course in advance?
  - A: No. Part of the adventure is the “un-expected.” The course un-disclosed to competitors until the start of the race - race morning will be a journey into the unknown…Participants will only know what disciplines they will need to be proficient in, and what equipment will be needed to complete the course. The rest they discover along the way.

RACE DAY:

• What should I bring on race day?
  - A: See required Individual & Team Kit List
• Are there water and aid stations along the race course?
  - A: Yes, there will be water station at each transition.
• Will The Adventure Rat Race be canceled if it rains?
  - A: No. Rain will only add to the adventure. The Race Director will monitor all weather conditions and make all safety decisions to assure every athlete is being considered in those “mother-nature-safety-cancelations.”
• Where do I get my pre-race packet?
  - A: Please refer to your specific city’s calendar for packet pick up details.
• What is the total number of teams that will be racing?
  - A: Each city will have different participant entry caps, as to how many racers will be safe on race day. Please refer to your specific city’s Race Day Info for more details.
• How will my finishing time and team placement be recorded and posted?
  - A: Preliminary results will be posted at the finish line. Final results will appear on our website within 24 hours post race.
• Is there a time limit for completing?
  - A: Each city will have a different course and time limits, as to how many racers and time on course will be safe on race day. Please refer to your specific city’s Race Day Info for more details.
• Can I skip a stage?
  - A: The course is designed with the emphasis on fun. All activities are achievable and whether relevant, we have significant event safety staff on hand. Skipping an activity might diminish your sense of achievement and it will mean that you have not completed the full course, but that is OK. If you don’t like the look of it, you do not have to do it. If you have an injury, then you should consult your doctor on whether it is appropriate to take part in the event. The doctor might not be able to comment on specific activities. Many obstacles involve water and some jumping, scrambling and crawling. This is all part of the challenge. If you have a fear, then this might be the event for you to conquer that fear.
• What if I get caught cheating?
  - A: Cheating is not allowed. Cheaters will be immediately disqualified and ask to leave the race course. Use of non-approved transportation and or motorized vehicles is also considered cheating.
• What if a team member or I cannot complete a road block or stage?
  - A: We certainly encourage all teammates to try each roadblock, as it is usually the highlight of the race for most participants. But, we don't require you to do so. Each race is a little different. Either your team member can skip the roadblock for a time penalty or you will be ranked behind any team that does complete it. See each race for specifics.
• What if I get sick or injured?
  - A: ??? There will be plenty of volunteers, paramedics and EMS personnel at each event.
• Where can I find medical help?
  - A: ??? First aid personnel will be at each check point throughout the course.
• Can I bring a pet to the event?
  - A: For health & safety reasons, you are not allowed to bring your pets to The Rat Race.
• Where can I store my valuables during the event?
  - A: There will be a designated location to check (1) one bag per athlete during the race. This secure check bag location will close 5 hours after the start time.
• What time does it start?
  - A: Each city will have specific start times. Please check “RACE DAY INFO” for your specific city’s start time.
• How much running or walking is involved?
  - A: Running makes up a total of approx 3 miles of the event. At no time will you be required to run or walk more than 1 mile.
• Do I need to be able to swim?
  - A: it is recommended. Some activities will involve full immersion in water and there are some that will require you to swim short distances. Buoyancy aids are provided by the organizers, together with ropes to pull yourself along through the water as back-up measures. There will also be non-swimmer alternatives at these locations. Full safety cover, including safety kayakers, is in place where required.
• Will I get wet?
  - A: Yes, it is very possible that you will be getting wet.