Cash prizes up for grabs in The Great Dayton Adventure Race downtown

Part mental challenge — solving puzzles and deciphering clues, and part physical challenge — racing from place to place to beat the clock — the DP&L Summer in the City event is in its fifth year. The Great Dayton Adventure Race will take place downtown on Saturday, June 1, with a grand prize of $200 up for grabs in the competitive division. For those who want a more leisurely pace, there is also a non-competitive division.

A downtown scavenger hunt, the race is a great way to explore the city.

Teams of as few as one competitor and as many as four can sign up to race in either the competitive or non-competitive division. Competitive teams must solve the clues and beat the clock to win a cash prize. The team that submits the most accurate clue sheet, completed in the shortest amount of time, will win $200. The second- through fifth- placed teams will earn $150, $100, $75 and $50, respectively.

The more leisurely pace of the non-competitive groups, which have two hours to complete the clue sheet, make it an ideal division for the whole family.

The locations remain a secret until the racers receive their clue sheet. The competitive division is a foot race – although non-competitive groups are allowed to use Link bikes or other non-motorized means of transportation. Clues can be completed in any order. Some clues are hidden inside businesses while others are puzzles or games that must be completed before moving on to the next spot.

If fun is more important than winning the prize fund, you will have plenty of company. You can enjoy a nice dinner and take your time turning in your clue sheet. The fun is what matters!

This year, Dayton is also closing the street for live entertainment to cap off the race. The music and entertainment will be held at the Levitt Pavilion.

UPDATE: The Downtown Dayton Partnership tweeted Wednesday afternoon that 20% off all race registration proceeds will be given to disaster relief efforts after the tornadoes that hit the area earlier this week. The tweet also includes a short video that shows some of the fun that will be offered throughout the day.

QUIZ: Which Dayton landmarks have you visited?

THE GREAT DAYTON ADVENTURE RACE RULES

1. Start the race any time between 2-5 p.m. and complete in two hours or less. You must turn in your clue sheet by 6 p.m. to be eligible for prizes.

2. The two-hour time will begin when you receive your map and clue sheet.

3. Scoring will be based first on the number of clues correctly answered, then by time.

4. The clues/tasks may be answered/performed in any order.

5. For the competitive division, the entire race must be completed on foot – no bikes or motorized vehicles permitted. Non-competitive racers may use bikes or other forms of non-motorized vehicles.

6. Teams must stay together as a group; splitting up to divide and conquer is not permitted. Marshals will be on the course. When asked, all members of the team will need to check in. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

7. Obey all street and traffic laws.

8. Upon completion of the race, return to the registration desk to have your end time recorded by a staff member.

THE GREAT DAYTON ADVENTURE RACE

What: A fun, fast-paced scavenger hunt or a more leisurely way to discover Dayton depending on whether you choose the competitive or non-competitive division.

When: Saturday, June 1, 2-6 p.m.

Where: Event starts and ends on Fifth Street in the Oregon District between Jackson and Pine streets.

Teams: One to four people; Competitive division – $15 for individuals, $30 per team; Non-competitive division – $10 for individuals, $20 per team

Prizes: Competitive division – $200 first place, $150 second place, $100 third place; $75 fourth place, $50 fifth place; all teams are entered to win raffle prizes.

Info: www.downtowndayton.org/