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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CityRace and Race/LA?
Race/LA is a day-long, citywide event for teams of two, based loosely on The Amazing Race.
CityRace Urban Adventures are 3-hour, neighborhood specific clue-solving hunts for teams of 2, 3 or 4.
CityRace clues focus more on using brainpower, research and puzzle-solving skills whereas the clues in Race/LA often involve more navigation around the city and physical activities.
The rest of this FAQ is for Race/LA. For the CityRace FAQ, go here.
When are the next races?
To be first to hear about new races and registration, sign up for our E-mail newsletter.
How far in advance can I register?
Registration usually begins 4 to 5 weeks before each event.
How much does it cost?
Race/LA is $85 per person ($170 per team of two).
Do you hold races in other cities?
Not at this time, but possibly in the future.
How familiar with Los Angeles do I need to be?
We've had participants from other states, and even from other countries. As long as you have a good map (Thomas Guide is recommended) and aren't afraid to ask strangers for help, you don't need to be familiar with the city at all. Obviously, knowing the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B can be advantageous, but being able to think quickly and make smart decisions will be much more helpful to you in the long run.
How long is Race/LA?
The race begins at 9:30 am and usually finishes between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. Most races are divided into two legs, separated by a 20 minute rest stop.
Can children participate?
Yes, as long as one member of each team is at least 21 years of age. So, for example, a parent could team up with a child. Race/LA is not recommended for children under the age of 15.
Do we really have to run?
Although running is not required, it is often advantageous. There are some locations where running is strictly not allowed.
Because of my work/personal life/etc, I might need to use my cell phone during the race, okay?
If you aren't able to spend 6-7 hours of one day without using a cell phone, this is probably not an appropriate event for you.
Can I change my team partner after I've registered?
Yes.
Can you create private races and special events?
No, however our CityRace Urban Adventure Hunts are available as private races for parties and special events. More information is available here.
 How did Race/LA begin?
Race/LA was created in 2004 by John Hennessy, a Los Angeles graphic designer. Race/LA is loosely inspired by the television reality show, The Amazing Race. Hennessy, a long-time fan of the show, says, "Many people would love to apply to be on shows like 'The Amazing Race' but can't afford to take the required 6-8 weeks off from their lives. So I started thinking about a way to do something similar in just a day - without having to quit your job and leave home. I'm also a naturally curious person and find that the more I explore Los Angeles, the more I fall in love with the incredible variety and diversity of the region. Hopefully participants will leave feeling a little bit of the same."
The first race was held in October, 2004. Hennessy still creates each race, with the help of many talented and hard-working volunteers.
Does Race/LA include dangerous or high-risk tasks?
No. The tasks in Race/LA are open to almost everyone, require no special skills and are not unusually hazardous. The only requirement is that players be in reasonably good physical condition, as the race is a strenuous day-long event.
Our team was ahead in our race. Then, there was a point where we had to wait and everyone else caught up to us. Why do you do that?
Some races have one or two "regrouping" or "equalizing" points - locations where the next task happens at a specified time, allowing most teams to catch up to each other. The reasons for this are:
1. To accommodate the opening hours of a certain business
2. Some types of tasks can only be done once, and therefor need to be done by all teams together at the same time
This also helps keep the race competitive, manageable and fun - and gives teams that have fallen behind some hope of a second chance. Teams in the lead sometimes get upset at these locations, but we've observed that those in the lead prior to the regrouping point tend to remain in the lead afterwards.
Do the winners get prizes?
Yes. Every participant receives a Race/LA t-shirt and certificate of completion. The winning team also receives a selection of prizes which are not announced in advance because they are usually related to locations in the race.
However, the focus of Race/LA is not on awarding large prizes - it is on providing a fun and unforgettable experience.
Is every race different?
No, sometimes previous races are repeated. Race/LA sells out quickly since space is very limited. For this reason, you won't find too many specific details about previous races on our website - we may be planning to do them again sometime soon.
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