Directions
Each House will provide four teams - one team of runners, one team of strategists, and two teams of sprinters. The teams will be formed by each House before 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) and the sprinters will exit the building. The Competition starts when the strategic team receives the first clue. The strategy team will solve the first clue and then communicate the checkpoint’s location to the runners via cell phone. The strategy team will also receive a list of sprinting destinations, and will determine where the sprinting teams will go and direct them to each location.

The runners will follow the directions given by their strategy team and find the correct checkpoint. At each checkpoint, the runners will document their arrival with a photograph of the entire running team (minus designated photographer).
As soon as the photograph has been taken, one person from the running team will call their strategy team and tell them that they have arrived at the designated checkpoint. The strategist will inform the Student Development staff that their runners have arrived at the designated checkpoint and have taken the photo. The Student Development staff will then tell the strategy team whether the runners are in the correct location or not, and if they are in the correct location, will give the strategy team their next clue.

After the photo has been taken at the correct location, the running team will open a roadblock or detour for the team to complete. Once the roadblock or detour is successfully completed, the running team can proceed to the next location (provided the strategy team has solved the clue).

The sprinters will be given a list of destinations from their strategy team. Their task is to go to as many locations as possible, accruing as many points as possible, while arriving at the finish line as quickly as possible. The sprinting team will document their arrival at each location with a photograph of the entire sprinting team (minus designated photographer). The sprinters must get to the finish line as soon as the strategic team has solved the final clue.
The entire team (runners, strategy team, and sprinters) must cross the finish line together to hand off their cameras. 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 of all runners or sprinters must 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, or traveling by 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 strategy 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

• Sprinters
  • Each House will field two sprinting teams. Each of the House’s two teams will be comprised of three first-year students and at least one upperclassman.
  • All students who are sprinting must be documented at the beginning of the competition.
  •  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.
  • You may not use maps of any kind.
  • Resources available: Strategy team.
• Running Team
  • The team must consist of a minimum of 10 first-year students, and a minimum of two returning students.
  • All students who are running must be documented at the beginning of the competition.
  • Communicate with the strategy team for directions to the checkpoints, take a group photo, 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.
  • You may not use maps of any kind.
  • Resources available: Strategy team.
  • Location: New York City.
• Strategy Team
  • The team must consist of the remaining new students and a maximum of seven returning students.
  •  All students who are part of the strategy team must be documented at the beginning of the competition.
  • Solve each clue, and communicate checkpoint locations, directions, and any needed information to successfully complete the roadblock/detour to the runners and/or sprinters.
  • Equipment: maximum of two cell-phones (provided by each House) and as many computers as you need. Make sure the phones get reception in Classroom 516!
  • Resources available: the internet, Interregnum reading materials, and upperclass House members (no alumni, no House advisors).
  • Location: Classroom 516

Detours and Roadblocks (does not apply to Sprinters)

•  Detours – everyone on the team (both runners and strategists) must complete the task.
  • After photo is taken, a designated runner opens the detour envelope. The runner calls strategy team with the task. Both the strategy and running 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, a designated runner opens the roadblock envelope. 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 For Checkpoints  (Runners and Strategists)

• Clues will reveal the location of each checkpoint.
• The strategy 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

• The winner of the competition will be the House with the fastest time and the most sprinting points (taking into account assessed time penalties).
• Time Penalties
  • Incomplete/no picture of the runners and/or sprinters = 15 minute penalty
  • First-year students 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

Awards
Houses will receive points according to the Major Event scale.

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