Adventure in the back streets of Beyoğlu

According to Oda-başoğlu, each two person team will receive a map of Beyoğlu and a list of the stations where teams can earn points upon completion of a “piece of the puzzle.” There is no set course; team members have to agree on the best path to the goal.

Some pieces of the race may require charm and diplomacy, like going into a kitchen or behind the bar of a restaurant to retrieve a required item, or finding an item to sell to a stranger on the street. Control stations are located on public streets, in shopping centers, metro stations, etc. Contestants may use public transportation to get from one control point to the next, or they may choose to run. Climbing may be required to complete certain tasks, but contestants who prefer not to climb may skip that piece and focus on goals more suited to their skills. “We expect that no team will reach all control points, so each team has to think strategically about the best way to maximize its final score,” says Odabaşoğlu. The key is to balance easy tasks, which deliver fewer points, with more difficult tasks, which offer more points. However, teams should be careful not to embark on a difficult piece only to abandon it without reaching the control station. The object is to score.

“You have to be able to use your mind and body quickly,” adds Odabaşoğlu. “The winners will most likely be not only smart but good runners as well.” “In my experience,” he continues, “the winners are usually people with a positive outlook.” A competitive spirit and sense of adventure also help. Finally, the race requires good teamwork. Reaching an agreed course of action can become difficult in a three-hour race. The constant physical exertion reduces oxygen to the brain; exhaustion sets in. Stress rises as time passes, but teams must maintain their agility, adjusting their course of action promptly when obstacles arise. Disagreements and arguments can waste precious time.

Odabaşoğlu says anyone can join the race and expect to have fun. The only requirements are a good night’s sleep and comfortable shoes and clothing. Teams must also follow the normal rules of public behavior, e.g., no pushing to get on or off the metro, waiting in line to make a purchase. Contestants may use telephones and computers but should be wary of losing time when using electronics.

Why hold an adventure race in the middle of the city? Odabaşoğlu wants to make sports more visible, and scheduling the event on a Saturday evening in Beyoğlu means more spectators. “The City Adventure,” he explains, “is a way to get people interested in sports, by combining sports with culture and entertainment. There’s a party at the end!”

“In Turkey,” continues Odabaşoğlu, “there’s an idea that only ‘athletes’ do sports and any ‘athlete’ is a ‘professional athlete.’” “But sports is not limited to soccer,” he insists. Another reason to organize an adventure race inside the city is to enable people to experience a familiar environment in a new way. “We are surrounded by so much beauty in this city,” explains Odabaşoğlu, “and if people are aware of the beauty around them, they will love the city more and take responsibility for protecting it.”

The City Adventure is more than a foot race; it’s more than an individual competition. It combines a variety of activities and skills in a contest that is challenging and fun, requiring an openness to adventure and an ability to think creatively and act fast to reach a goal, to solve a problem.

The City Adventure is co-sponsored by the Atlas magazine and Victorinox Swiss Army with additional support from İstanbul Ulaşım A.Ş., Red Bull and Light My Fire. It is open to the public, but participation is limited to 100 teams of two people each. Teams may include one runner and one wheelchair user, but Odabaşoğlu notes that the city is not wheelchair-friendly, and all teams should be prepared to deal with stairs and other barriers. Early bird registration is available through March 27. Contestants who prefer to receive race guidelines in English must register by March 30. www.sehirmacerasi.com.