Description
Each House will provide two teams - one team of runners and one team of strategists. The teams will be formed by each House at the beginning of the competition according to the rules (documentation of teams is required).

After the introduction of the competition, the runners (with their equipment) will leave the Empire State Building. The Competition starts when the strategic team receives the first clue. The strategic team’s job is to solve the clue and then communicate the checkpoint’s location to the runners via cell phone. The runners will follow the directions given by their strategic team and find the correct checkpoint. At each checkpoint, the runners have to find a designated TKC representative and document this discovery with a photograph of the representative and the entire running team (minus designated photographer).

As soon as the photograph has been taken, one person from the running team will call their strategic team and tell them that they have arrived at the designated checkpoint. The strategist will inform the Student Development staff in the Student Lounge that their runners have arrived at the designated checkpoint and have taken the photo. The Student Development staff will then give the strategic team their next clue.

After the photo has been taken, the TKC representative will give a roadblock or detour to the team to complete. Once the roadblock or detour is successfully completed, the running team can proceed to the next location (provided the strategic team has solved the clue).

The entire team (runners and strategic team) must cross the finish line together at the last checkpoint to hand off their camera. Time penalties will be assessed for incomplete photos, using clue hints, and unsuccessful completion of roadblocks/detours.

Rules

• Every first-year student must participate in the competition.* A five minute penalty will be assessed for every first-year student who does not participate.
• A photo with all runners and the representative has to be submitted as proof of visiting a location.
• No riding in cabs or renting/borrowing/using private vehicles, bicycles, or any other kind of private transportation. Walking/running, and using subway and buses may be used at the individual’s expense. A specific mode of travel may be required as part of the race.
• The strategic team has the option to use “clue hints” if they are unable to solve the clue in a timely fashion. A time penalty of fifteen minutes will be assessed for every hint used.
• At each checkpoint, members of the team will have to successfully complete either a detour – a task the entire team (runners and strategists) must do, or a roadblock – a task a select number of the team must do – in order to proceed to the next location.

* Any House that has more than two commuting first-year students only has to have two of the total commuting first-year students participate.

Teams

• Running Team
  • The team must consist of a minimum 12 first year students, and a minimum of two returning students.
  • All students who are running have to be documented in the beginning of the competition.
  • Communicate with the strategic team for directions to the checkpoints, take a group photo with the representative, and successfully complete the roadblock/detour.
  • Equipment: maximum of 2 cell phones and 1 digital camera (both provided by the House). You may NOT use your phone’s other capabilities (gps, internet, email, etc.). Please note: for emergency purposes, each member of the running team may carry a cell phone, but only 2 of the phones may be used in the competition.
  • Resources available: Strategic Team.
  • Location: Manhattan Island.

  Strategic Team

  • Team must consist of the remaining new students and a maximum of five returning students.
  • Communicate checkpoint locations, directions, and any needed information to successfully complete the roadblock/detour to the Runners.
  • Equipment: maximum of two cell-phones (provided by each House) and as many computers as you need. Make sure the phones get reception in the Student Lounge!
  • Resources available: the internet, Interregnum reading materials, and upper class House members (no alumni, no House advisors).
  • Location: in the Student Lounge blocked in ten different sections.
  • Music is played in the background to discourage spying from other Houses.

Locations

• Several locations in Manhattan
• TKC Representative at each location.
• Detours – everyone on the team (both runners and strategists) must complete the task.
  • After photo is taken, TKC Rep gives envelope with detour to one runner. Runner calls strategic team with the task. The team must successfully complete the detour in order to proceed to the next location – or you can incur a 45 minute time penalty.
• Roadblocks – select members of the running team must complete the task.
  • After photo is taken, TKC Rep gives envelope with roadblock to one runner. On the outside of the envelope, it will tell you how many team members must participate and a hint about the task. You must choose the participants BEFORE opening your envelope! The selected members of the team must successfully complete the roadblock in order to proceed to the next location – or you can incur a 45 minute time penalty.

Clues

• Clues will reveal the location of each checkpoint.
• The strategic team has the option to use “clue hints” if they are unable to solve the clue in a timely fashion. A time penalty of fifteen minutes will be assessed for every hint used.
• One clue will be distributed in the beginning of the race with subsequent clues given after the runners have arrived at the checkpoint and taken the photo.

Scoring

• Winner of the competition will be the House with the fastest time (taking into account assessed time penalties).
• Subsequent competition placement will also be based on the time it takes each House to complete the race (taking into account assessed time penalties).
• Time Penalties
  • Incomplete/no picture of the runners with the TKC Rep = 15 minute penalty.
  • First-year student who don't participate = 5 minutes for each student
  • Each clue hint used = 15 minute penalty
  • Unsuccessful completion of roadblock = 45 minute penalty
  • Unsuccessful completion of detour = 45 minute penalty
• House Competition Points will be awarded according to the competition scale.

Current Standings
Event Dates
General Rules
The Great Race
Drama Competition
House GPA
BB Tournament
House History
Interregnum