Residents hit the streets for adventures in history
CAMBRIDGE — The rain held out Sunday morning for more than 100 local residents who embarked on an adventure in downtown Galt.
They were participating in the inaugural Cambridge Urban Adventure Race, where they had to run to checkpoints scattered at areas of historical significance, challenging their knowledge of the city and testing their endurance.
The event was organized by local fitness groups Active Cambridge and Stars Orienteering.
“We wanted it to be for every- body, we wanted it to be a family affair,” said Alex Hourahine of Active Cambridge.
The course was designed in sections — one being the downtown core and three others at area parks — allowing first-time runners to choose to complete only one section for a shorter distance of five kilometres. Those looking for a challenge could take on all sections of the race to complete about 14 kilometres.
The flexibility was provided to induce more people to start getting active.
“I’m just trying to be active and healthy and have some fun,” said Judy Taylor, 66, who was running with her friend Edwina Hourahine, 65.
Competitors received a map before heading out at 10 a.m. that outlined where each checkpoint was located. But to add to the challenge, street names were removed from the map.
The combination of a race and scavenger hunt made the event appealing to families.
“We thought it would be a fun thing to do, to run around downtown and explore,” said Scott Taggart who was teamed up with his eight-year-old son Evan.
More experienced athletes like Mike Jones, Lori Smith and Theresa Edmonson said they got involved in the race because it was a change from the ordinary.
“It’s a lot different than say your typical road race,” Smith said.
“And it’s fun, you get to come out and explore the city and get some fitness in at the same time,” Edmonson said.
Competitors had two hours to complete the race. They would be ranked based on their time and also who had the best hand of poker earned through playing cards they received at each checkpoint.
In future years, the race will move to different areas of Cambridge to maintain the challenge. With so many keen runners participating in Sunday’s race, organizers hope it will also become an event that the community looks forward to.
“We’d love this to be the first run of the spring; spring is here because the Urban Race is here,” Hourahine said.