A wacky urban adventure’

Got plans this Saturday? How about hunting down a man dressed in a Yogi Bear costume, getting photographed eating cupcakes in front of a food cart or doing cartwheels next to a Portland city flag?

These are among the many challenges in The Great Urban Race, coming to Portland this Saturday, June 6.

The citywide scavenger hunt, which returns for its second year in Portland, is expected to draw more than 500 people, with a share of the proceeds benefiting Schoolhouse Supplies, a nonprofit organization that has distributed more than $10.7 million in free school supplies since 2000.

Teams of two are asked to complete mental and physical challenges throughout the race that require running, walking and use of public transportation to decipher puzzles and scavenge for random items.

Race director Joe Reynolds said he can’t reveal the race route, which unfolds as participants solve a series of clues, but noted that it begins and ends at the South Park Blocks near Southwest Park Avenue and Clay Street.

He also declined to describe any of the unusual tasks planned, but promised that they are “putting together an even better race this year.”

Portland is one of 21 cities hosting the event, advertised by organizers as “a wacky urban adventure.”

The national tour will culminate with a championship this November in New Orleans, where the top 25 teams from each city will compete for a $10,000 grand prize.

“The Great Urban Race is the perfect opportunity to discover Portland in a new way,” Reynolds said in a press release.

Reynolds said he started the event in Chicago in September of 2007 after watching the television show The Amazing Race, and wanted to create a small, local version open to anyone.

It was held in seven cities its first year, 20 cities last year and will tour 21 cities this year.

Entry fees are $60 per person through 5 p.m. June 5, or $70 per person on the day of the race. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

To register, visit www.greaturbanrace.com.