We arrived at Linn Park at 11 am to see a crowd much larger than I anticipated, but when the grand prize is a $15,000 Ritani diamond ring, why would I expect a light turnout? The sun was shining brightly and we were working up a sweat just waiting in the registration line.
After Jim Rooney with Unique Sounds officially kicked off the event, the first text messages were sent to everyone's cell phones simultaneously. What a sound...600 cell phones all going off at the same time with the first clue.
The first clue sent via text message lead us to a location in Birmingham. Once we texted back the name of the location, you would receive a text message confirming whether or not you had given the correct answer. If you were correct, you received a second text which would involve answering a question about that location to confirm you were actually there. For example...here are a few samples text messages about one location:
Q: "This hotel on 20th Street North is a new version of the historic original that existed fro 1914 to 1972. Head to its location and send back its name."
A: "The Tutwiler"
Q: "You got it! Take a look at the rather royal looking crest that is the hotel's logo and send back the words you will find there."
Looking back through our texts, here are some of the stops we made over the 2.5 hour hunt:
Start - Linn Park
Jefferson County Library Annex
Boutwell Auditorium
Birmingham Museum of Art
Jefferson County Courthouse
Bromberg's Jewelers
First Presbyterian Church
Alabama Theatre
Cathedral of St. Paul's
The Birmingham News
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
First Presbyterian Church
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
The Birmingham News
16th Street Baptist Church
Wachovia Towers
McWane Center
Harbert Plaza
City Federal
As you can see, we zig-zagged all over the downtown area riding a grand total of 12 miles. After two and a half hours, we ended up with 335 points. We were extremely proud of ourselves, regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, the grand prize winners had 401 points and were awarded the diamond ring at the after party at Rogue Tavern. We did not finish in the top 6, but I have a sneaking suspicion that we ended up in the top 20.
All in all, we had an absolute blast. It was great to see hundreds of people in blue t-shirts running, biking, and rollerblading all over downtown Birmingham on a beautiful Saturday morning. A big thank you to Arden photography for snapping these great action shots at the event!
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