May 01, 2009
Local residents are encouraged to form teams and enter Omaha’s inaugural race.
Move over, “Amazing Race.” Adventure racing is coming to Omaha, urban style.
Activate Omaha, in partnership with the Nebraska Sports Council, will present the first-ever Adventure Omaha – the Ultimate Urban Adventure Race Saturday, June 6. The event will start and finish at Carter Lake Park with an 8:30 a.m. start time.
Teams of three will bike, run, climb, paddle and navigate their way through the downtown area and beyond while searching for check points. Teams will also be required to complete mystery challenges along the way. The race will feature two divisions – the Union Pacific long course (four to six hours) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska short course (one to two hours). The course will run through city trails, streets, parks and businesses. Teams can consist of all men, all women or a mix of the sexes. All competitors must have their own mountain bike.
Local residents are encouraged to form teams and enter Omaha’s inaugural race. “It’s not just for Lance Armstrong types, as the race is designed to accommodate people with a wide range of fitness levels,” said Julie Harris, outreach coordinator with Activate Omaha. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this unique event to our city with the help of the Nebraska Sports Council and our sponsors. It’s a great way to showcase our city from an active perspective,” she said.
For those not interested in strapping on a helmet or breaking a sweat, the race will be fun to watch from the sidelines. Volunteers are sought to staff the checkout points and the start/finish area, Harris said.
The entry fees are $70 per team member for the long course and $30 per team member for the short course. The fees include a moisture-wicking race shirt, tote bag, refreshments and “the most fun you will ever have with a race number pinned to your shirt!”
Proceeds from the race will benefit the programs and services of Activate Omaha. The event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and Union Pacific. Contributing partners include RDG Planning and Design, Riverfront Place, Backwoods, Slowdown, the Nebraska Lottery and the Omaha Sports Commission.
To register online, visit www.nscracing.com/races/adventure_omaha. For more information or to volunteer, contact Harris at 402.934.5971 or jharris@activateomaha.org.