Part adventure race, part scavenger hunt and a whole lotta fun!, Nationwide USA
Launched
2009
Events
(23) 2012, (30+) 2013
Upcoming
See all upcoming events at the bottom of the page.
Kids
No
Age
12+
Distance
wo person teams are given an envelope containing a list of twelve clues. Upon solving them, teams head out to checkpoints around town completing challenges, riddles, and puzzles while laughing all the way to the finish line. Average distance is around 5-8 foot miles, however, participants are allowed to use public transportation, which includes city buses and trains. In some cities, for example Chicago, the overall course distance can be over 12 miles.
Terrain
Varies by location, races could start in a park, on city streets or at an establishment.
Gear
Wear whatever you'd typically wear for a day out roaming the streets. Some Comfy running/walking shoes will make your day more fun. Matching outfits are encouraged, or better yet, wear some cool costumes for a chance to win a prize!
Scavenger Races are all about fun, and 95% of the participants are here for exactly that. Some actually sign up thinking it's a bar crawl - which it's not - but the fact that it often starts and finishes in a bar lends to that understanding.
Scavenger Dash was launched in 2009 by Rick Eastman, the founder of Sierra Adventure Sports who also put on the Mad Mud Run
In the early 2000's, Rick signed up and participated in a now-defunct race called Urban Challenge which was essentially billed as an adventure race in a city. The adventure intrigued him enough that he began putting on adventure races of his own in 2003, launched Mad Mud Run in 2007, and he turned his attention to creating a similar type of “scavenger-hunt race” of his own - and Scavenger Dash was born.
Scavenger Dash made it's 5 city tour debut in Omaha, NE and was a hit; in the following two years we expanded to approximately twenty five cities across the US. As evidenced the exponential growth of obstacle races and mud runs, it was becoming increasingly obvious that people wanted to participate in more than just a typical 5k, they wanted adventure, mental challenges and puzzle-solving mixed in with their exercise.
At the beginning of the race, each two-person team is given an envelope that contains twelve clues they need to solve. This clue sheet also serves as their passport; complete the clues, then venture to the checkpoints indicated by each of the answers, and follow the instructions they will find there.
At some points teams complete a challenge, at others take a picture, and some receive a stamp for on their passport. All challenges are completable by nearly anyone and teams also have the option of skipping one of the twelve clues - strategy will play a big role in which to skip. Teams may also have a mandatory clue, which will be indicated on the clue sheet.
Teams have many ways to solve clues: Asking strangers, the library, a smartphone, they can even carry a laptop - if one of the teammates does not mind hauling it around. The most important resource a team can have is a great "Pit Crew" as your phone-a-friend. Calling someone at home who has web access can make a huge difference in solving clues.
Races may contain one or more Detours, which is a choice between two challenges. Teams can choose the one they think will be fastest - or the most fun.
One big advantage that many teams fail to overlook is forming alliances. Just like on the TV show Survivor, teams may form alliances with other teams, if only to solve the clues. The faster teams are able solve the clues, the faster they can complete the course.
Two person teams are given a list of twelve clues. Upon solving them, the teams head out to checkpoints around town to take photos, complete challenges, locate points of interest and search for things to scavenge, while laughing all the way for 2-4 hours. Race distance depends on how you set out to get to each checkpoint, but we generally try to keep it to 5-7 miles. Public transportation is allowed.
Awards:
We will have an awards ceremony. We'll have awards for our top three teams, an award for best costume, as well as a raffle for a number of sponsor provided prizes. At least one teammate MUST be present to win.
Prizes:
We've got a prize for the best team costumes in every single city! And when else will you get a chance to dress up ridiculously and run around the city streets?
Post Party:
Post-race party atmosphere, usually at the race venue
Other:
The Scavenger Dash is primarily designed for adults, so if there are young participants, they may need assistance from an older team member. For those under 18, you may participate along with an adult over 18. We do however need this additional waiver filled out and brought to check-in. Minimum age is 12 years.
It should be noted that no roads are closed to accommodate you, and you are 100% responsible for your own safety while traveling which may include crossing busy streets. If you can walk 5 miles, you will likely be able to complete the event. Keep in mind you can also use public transportation. Winners will probably have run much of it, but that doesn't mean they had as much fun as you did walking. Total course distance done entirely on foot may be longer, but keep in mind you can also skip one checkpoint.
Teams may only travel by foot or public transit. This includes buses, trains, subways, ferries, and trolleys.
Any teams using transportation other than those listed above will be immediately disqualified. That includes Taxi's, hang gliders, skates, pedicabs, catching a ride or helicopter.
Team:
2-person team is required for this event
Coupons / Discount Codes:
Please see our obstacle course race discount & promotion page for all the latest discounts, promos, promotions, discount codes, and coupon codes for Phoenix Arizona Scavenger Dash 2016.
There also may be one listed at the top of this page.
Welcome to Mud Run Guide - the worldwide leader in mud runs, obstacle course races, and outdoor running adventures. Established in 2012, our focus is to provide you with the best events, discounts, news, reviews, gear, and training for the sport of OCR.
