Mean Streets Format
• Mean Streets - What is it all about?
• Scoring
• Skills & Preparation
• Registration
• The Briefing
• Mean Streets Timeline
• Team Composition & Age Limits
• Prize Categories
Mean Streets - What is it all about?
The Mean Streets kicks off at around 5pm and involves 2.5 hours of checkpoint hunting in the city centre by running and walking. You will have been given a map of the city at Registration and at the end of the briefing you will have also been issued your 'Mean Streets Sheet' detailing the checkpoint locations allowing you to mark them on your map. You are recommended to mark the checkpoints on your map before you start, this saves vital adventure time when you're out on the course and enable you to plan your route before you start.
From the Start, the “course” is up to you – you may visit as many checkpoints as you can in a 2.5 hour period, navigating your way. Each checkpoint (CP) is awarded a different points value and the values of these CPs are the last part of the puzzle. Immediately after the start you will dart out of the Start line and grab a 'Values Sheet' which has the CP values on them. Some are “activity” CPs – which means you will encounter some adrenalin, adventure or bizarre activity there. Approximately half of the CPs have activities. Go as fast or as slow as you like and enjoy the great views of the city, the camaraderie with other teams and possibly from time to time, enjoy being lost! You might experience some physical challenges, you might get wet, you might go underground, you might go into buildings, you might do some Parkour, you might have to solve a mental problem and you might even have to do something fairly strange.
When the 2.5 hours period is nearly up, you must make your way back to the adventure event village to ensure you do not get back too late, as escalating points penalties will be inflicted if you are. The idea is to use team tactics, route choice and the values of the CPs to steer you around the Mean Streets and get back to Rat base with as many points as you can.
Scoring
We work the winner in the following way: We order all the teams by their points total from the Mean Streets with the highest score 1st. In the event of a tie we 2nd sort them by time with the team who bagged the points in the shortest time, 1st. The team with that is on top spot wins!
Skills & Preparation
We've made this event accessible to all whether you're a highly tuned athlete, a group of friends with a basic level of fitness and sense of adventure. Here is a some info on skills and discipline to help you prepare for such an event.
Fitness: One of the many great things about the Mean Streets format is that you can do as much or as little as you like in the 2.5 hours. It is also up to you how quick you move around the course; running all the way, jogging a bit or even walking. To make the most of your day it would be beneficial to have a reasonable base of fitness which would include; some running, and a bit of strength and conditioning. If you can cope with around 10km of running or jogging then you're more than fit enough to have a great day out and get round many of the Checkpoints in the Mean Streets.
Navigation: Getting around will involve a little bit of navigation but never fear, it's all very straightforward! Each team will be provided with an A-Z map which will be used to steer you round the course. With street names on every corner and lots of landmarks to pick out you'll have no trouble, get hold of an A-Z map and have a go. If you'd like more help with navigation, get along to a local orienteering event for some advice.
Registration
One thing is for sure; there WILL be a queue to register for this event. Please come early and prepared. On the day, you will:
1) sign your acceptance of our standard terms and conditions
2) collect your SportIdent Timing Chip
3) receive your Rat Race T-shirt
4) receive your Race number
5) receive a map
The mandatory kit might be checked at Registration, or it might be checked at a random kit check out on the course. So do not cut corners with what you bring. Bring it all.
The Briefing
This is where you are given some info on what will happen in the Mean Streets; but not all the info. The Race Director will address the whole event field at this time and it’s important that everyone MUST ATTEND. There will be some safety information and there might be some special instructions that relate directly to that city or the way the adventure will be run that weekend. At the end of the briefing, you will be given the Mean Streets Sheet for the Mean Streets challenge.
Mean Streets Timeline*
Saturday
• 1000 Registration opens
• 1200 Entertainment Acts Stage programme begins in the event village
• 1500 Registration closes
• 1530 Mass briefing from the Stage
• 1700 Start of the Mean Streets event
• 1930 Finish of the Mean Streets event
*Timeline is TBC. Confirmation will be provided in the weeks nearer the event weekend
Team composition & Age limits
The is event is open to all from the age of 16 and above. You can take part in teams of 3 or pairs which can be made up of all male, all female or mixed. Those aged 16 and 17 must provide written parental/ guardian consent of their participation. Consent forms are available for download here.
Prize categories
• Best mixed team
• Best male team
• Best female team
