Run, ride and see ArtPrize

Too busy or too Type A for a leisurely stroll around ArtPrize? More concerned about working out than spending time with a work of art? With the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race on October 8, people can double dip: get a run in, ride their bikes and see enough of ArtPrize to say, “I went to ArtPrize.”

“The event will incorporate art venues and installations from ArtPrize as part of the course and its challenges. It will most likely be the first ever sporting event that incorporates a world-class art festival,” said Mark VanTongeren, race director.

Registration closes on October 5 and for people who have been vacillating about doing the race, VanTongeren offers these reasons to join in the fun:

• If you can read a map, you can do the race.
• Grandmas and grandpas did the first race. It's not that difficult.
• Can't get to a checkpoint? Skip it. Don't want to do a challenge? Move on. Had enough? Head on in.
• Four hours seems daunting, but because you will be stopping at least 60 times during the race to find flags, complete challenges, and wait for traffic, your body gets enough rest to keep going strong.
• Survey says.... it's a blast. 99% of racers in the first race gave it a thumbs up.
• Great way to fit in some ArtPrize at high speed!

Hundreds of two-person teams will blast off from Founders Brewery at 8:30 a.m. on the 8th, biking or running to various checkpoints that are held on a course map that is secret until the morning of the race. “When we met with the ArtPrize team to get their thoughts and blessing on the race, they were excited about the exposure we would help give venues located outside of the downtown core,” said VanTongeren.

People who aren’t racing are welcome to cheer and observe. A spectator guide provided at the start will send people to some of the most fun challenges.

For more information about the race and to register by the October 5 deadline visit www.grUrbanAdventureRace.com