City Chase USA: Philly Edition

Allison Krumm joins the Phillyist staff today, and we're pleased as punch to have her aboard. A native of the Philadelphia area, Allison spent three years in "Hollyweird" but returned when she realized she "hated the excess smog, traffic, concrete, and pomposity." (No offense, LAist!) Allison loves soft pretzels, the Twombly exhibit at the PMA, and Philly's most intimate concert venues. We're sure you'll agree she's a perfect fit for the staff.

This is not your momma's scavenger hunt. This is more like your mom's favorite TV show. (Assuming your mom watches Survivor and/or the Amazing Race religiously like this Phillyist's does.) City Chase USA, "The World’s Largest Urban Adventure Series" comes to Philly Saturday, May 16th. Ranking just below basketball on the list of exciting competitive events given to the world by Canada, City Chase is an urban adventure contest for teams of two.

Participants race to collect "ChasePoints" by completing a series of mental, physical, and possibly comical challenges throughout the city. The team who collects their ChasePoints the quickest moves onto the North American Championship in Quebec. Last year Team Philly won a trip all the way to the International Competition in Morocco after placing 1st at the US Finals in New Orleans. And trust us when we say performing crazy stunts for international travel is definitely something worth writing your Survivor-loving mom about.

Be forewarned: teams are limited to their feet or SEPTA to get from place to place so sturdy shoes are a must. Driving, skating, biking, boating, skydiving, etc. are strictly forbotten unless part of an official challenge. iPhones are allowed, as is soliciting help from random bystanders. Pre-arranging for friends to show up along the way as extra teammates is not.

Pros: You might make friends with some strangers (or some Phillyists, we'll be racing too!), have to eat something tasty, get something pierced, or repel off a building.

Cons: There's Registration fee of $170. Also, you might have to eat something gross, get something pierced, or repel off a building.

City Chase kicks off in LOVE Park @ 7:30 a.m. The awards ceremony commences at 4:30 p.m. You must be over 18 and able to provide proof of citizenship in order to compete. City Chase USA Partners with Philly’s own Back on My Feet a charitable organization designed to empower the homeless to build confidence and self-esteem through running.

City Chase USA
Saturday, May 18
7:30 a.m. to compete / 4:30 p.m. to catch the awards
JFK Plaza/LOVE Park and throughout the city
$170 per pair to compete

Image Credit: Flickr user stuttermonkey