Portland Hosts an Oyster Race

(Omed: This press release came to us in late September.  We thought some of you might enjoy this sort of event.)

September 2008 – Looking for some adventure this summer? Perhaps it's time to discover one of Portland's newest gems – the Merrell Oyster Racing Series, Oct. 18, 2008. Billed as the "ultimate urban adventure race," the Oyster is renown for its unique combination of pure athleticism with thought-provoking strategy. Teams will run-bike-scoot-paddle-trek-climb and perform other crazy athletic feats in an effort to reach the finish line and raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.

Portland is one of the Oyster series' newest pearls and is sure to be adventurous! Similar to a wilderness eco-adventure race, an urban adventure race is set in a city and conducted over a shorter amount of time. With a great cityscape and plenty of trails, hills and water, the course will circumnavigate Portland, encompassing many of its attractions and landmarks, including a few twists. With a variety of divisions, its unique setting and various athletic modes, the Oyster is sure to please Portland's elite athletes and weekend warriors alike.

The race itself is kept a secret until the start. All teams know is that they will make their way around the host city doing amazing things and performing some creative stunts. Expected race time depends on the team, their endurance, strength, conditioning, navigational skills, determination and thinking capabilities.

RACE OPTIONS

Three race options are available: The Oyster (traditional course with three-person teams in men's, women's and co-ed divisions; should take four to eight hours to complete and covers 40-50 miles), Corporate Six-Pack (traditional course, but designed for six-person teams) and the Family Fun Division (three to four legs covering 10-15 miles; should take two to three hours to complete).

RACE FORMAT

Moments before the race begins, teams will be handed a "passport" indicating the first "check point" destination. The goal is to reach each check point as quickly as possible using the mode of transportation designated. There are eight to12 check points for the Traditional and Six-Pack races and two to four for the Family Fun course. Upon completion, teams will receive a punch mark indicating the designated check point was reached, and racers will return to the transition area to receive another passport. All passports properly punched will be submitted to race officials upon crossing the finish line. All members of the team must complete the course and cross the finish line using the designated mode of transportation.

Estimated times to complete each check point range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on teams' overall endurance, toughness, navigational ability and mental prowess (brain teasers and thought-provoking exercises included!).

RACE SCHEDULE

Traditional Course & Corporate Six-Pack

6 a.m. – Teams arrive, select transition area

8 a.m. – Teams line-up and are handed first passport

8:05-9 a.m. – Starting line open

4:01 p.m. – Course swept

2:30-5 p.m. – Post-race celebration and awards ceremony (subject to change depending upon number of teams to finish)

Family Fun Division

8:30 a.m. – Teams arrive, select transition area

10 a.m. – Teams line-up and are handed first passport

10:05-11 a.m. – Starting line open

2:01 p.m. – Course swept

2:30-5 p.m. – Post-race celebration and awards ceremony (subject to change depending upon number of teams to finish)

GIVING BACK

The Oyster benefits the Arthritis Foundation (on the web at www.arthritis.org), and all teams must commit to raising pledges from friends, family and associates. Minimum total pledges are:

• Traditional race (three-person teams): $300
• Six-Pack: $500
• Family Fun Division: $100 in pledges

Registration fees:

• Up to and including 30 days prior to event: $99, Traditional Race; $198, Six-Pack; $50, Family Fun Division.
• Between 29 days prior to event and race day: $150, Traditional Race; $300, Six-Pack; $75, Family Fun Division.

For more information or to register, please visit the web www.active.com or at www.oysterracingseries.com.