What is the Stumptown Challenge?
The Stumptown Challenge is a race that tests body and mind. Teams of two will solve clues and visit twelve checkpoints scattered throughout Portland. There are no problem-solving restrictions, but travel is limited to foot and TriMet. The first team to successfully photograph itself at eleven of the twelve checkpoints and make it back to base wins.

How do I win?
The first team to traverse Stumptown and return to base with photographs of the team at eleven (of twelve) checkpoints wins. Team members must cross the finish line together.

What should I wear?
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The race will go on rain or shine. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. T-shirts will be provided before the race but, if you hate t-shirts, try to wear something funny. We want our challengers to stand out!

Can I participate on my own?
Solo individuals may participate but must pay the full registration fee and are not eligible to collect prizes.

What should I bring?
Each team is free to bring any materials on the hunt that might be helpful. While water is imperative, keep in mind that anything beyond a cell phone, digital camera, map, and pen may weigh you down.

Do I have to have a digital camera?
No, you can use your phone, blackberry, etc. as long as the pictures are clearly decipherable.

Do you have to be in good shape?
You need to be able to be on your feet for a few hours and cover a few miles. This challenge is crafted so that brains are just as advantageous as brawn. Feel free to walk or run the hunt, as long as you have fun and make it back to base.

How well do I need to know the city?
You don’t. Or rather, you need to know Portland in inverse proportion to the research skills of your support team. All of the clues can be solved via internet research but a familiarity with Stumptown might save you that step.

How long is the race?
The course is designed to take about 2-3 hours for joggers. Teams have a maximum of five hours to complete the hunt before they are disqualified. The distance of the route depends on the path you take.

Do I need to visit the checkpoints in order?
No. In fact, you are encouraged to visit checkpoints on the most efficient route possible. We are unlikely to provide the clues to you in the most expeditious order.

What if I can’t find a checkpoint?
Don’t give up! Phone a friend or ask a stranger. If you absolutely cannot find a checkpoint then take your best guess. In order to successfully complete the challenge you need to provide 11 photos. If you guessed wrong, 30 extra minutes will be tacked onto your final time.

What if it rains?
Wear a jacket. The checkpoints won’t melt.

How old do I need to be to participate?
Challengers must be 18 years of age or older unless a parent or guardian accompanies the participant to registration to sign the release. Bring ID.

Do I have to sign a waiver and release to play?
Yup. No suing allowed.

How do you catch cheaters?
We’ll have our eye on you. Teams are also encouraged to snap a photo if they catch another team being naughty. Stumptown staff will disqualify any team we suspect of cheating, photographic proof or not.

Can I take more than one photo if I am unsure about the correct checkpoint?
While teams may take more than one photo at any given checkpoint (to make sure they “got the shot”), participants may not take pictures of two different places if not sure about the checkpoint. Any erroneous photos will add 30 minutes to the team’s final time.

What happens if I take a photo at an incorrect checkpoint?
30 minutes will be added to your team’s final time. You will not be disqualified, but you will be considered ineligible to win any prizes.

What happens if I accidentally miss a checkpoint?
Ditto.

Can information be exchanged between teams?
Sure thing. Keep in mind that it’s not against the rules to lie to each other either. Go ahead and play dirty if it suits you, just don’t cheat!