Cool, creative events like the Great Urban Race are just one of the many reasons it rules to live in the Tampa Bay area.  Going down this Saturday, March 24, the Great Urban Race is an interactive, urban scavenger hunt that takes participating teams on a clue-driven adventure around the city for prizes, bragging rights, and much more.

The race will kick off at its home base at Splitsville in Channelside then travel to various locales throughout the Tampa area.  How it works is like this:  you head to Splitsville and pick up a packet of 12 different clues ranging in difficulty before the start of the race.  Once the race starts, it's on between you and dozens of other teams to complete every clue the fastest.

This means a variety of fun, physical challenges like mazes, Segway rides, and even Tai Kwon Do lessons, as well as puzzles including anagrams and word searches; brain teasers, and challenges with the general public to complete across the entire city.  Teams can get around by foot or public transportation only with the average race time being anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the course.

The Great Urban Race will award prizes to the top finishers and those wearing the best costumes.  The first place team will win $300, second place, $200, and third place, $100.  All three of these teams will win free entry to the National Championship while the top 25 teams will qualify for the championship.  There will also be a trophy prize for the team with the best costume(s).

Want to participate in the Great Urban Race?  The cost is $60 per racer before race day on March 24 and $70 on the day of the race.  This fee will get you the fun adventure of the race, a t-shirt, and post race refreshments including a free beer for racers 21 and over.

To sign up or simply get more information on the Great Urban Race in Tampa, visit www.GreatUrbanRace.com.