PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The excitement and popularity of the rapidly-growing sport of urban adventure racing is coming to Pittsburgh this summer.

The Merrell Oyster Racing Series has announced the “Ultimate Urban Adventure Race” will be held in Pittsburgh on Saturday, June 25, 2011. This day-long race will combine pure athleticism with thought-provoking strategy, guiding racers through a series of crazy athletic stunts in a race around Pittsburgh, while they solve city-specific clues and completing challenges.

Registration is now open for teams and individuals of all ages. For more information or to register, visit the website at www.OysterRacingSeries.com.

The race will benefit the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a local non-profit environmental organization that protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy.

“Pittsburgh marks our first racing city near the East Coast, now allowing eager adventurers from all over the Northeast to take part in the Oyster Race,” says Jason Ornstein, executive director of adventure for the Merrell Oyster Racing Series. “This all-day fun event has been so well received that it has now grown to ten cities across the U.S. and has been recognized as the premier urban adventure racing series.”

Covering a total distance of 20-30 miles in four to six hours, on foot and on bike, the Oyster Race is the ultimate urban adventure race taking teams of three to six people through a top secret, high-adrenaline course in a race around the city. Want to scavenger around the zoo, blind taste test beers at the pub, or zip down a slip ‘n slide in your next race? The Oyster delivers just that kind of experience. For racers who are unsure of their endurance levels, the Oyster also offers a relay division with teams of four to six people, ideal for friends and corporate groups looking for team building activities.

This option provides members with an opportunity to strategically compete in legs where they’re strongest and allows other team members to catch their breath. The “Half Oyster” division also delivers a scaled-down full Oyster course at about half the length, but with all the fun.

The leader in the urban adventure race category, the Merrell Oyster Racing Series allows more racers to experience the excitement of racing in the city. The series includes two separate races with the goal to hit the endurance level of every athlete: the original Oyster, which requires higher endurance for people looking to mix up their triathlon and duathlon racing schedules; and the Oyster Shooter, new in 2011, which requires less endurance for people looking to have fun with fitness and shake up their tired road races.

The Oyster Shooter is a sprint version of the original Oyster. Individuals race on foot in the city over a 5-mile course with Oyster obstacles along the way. “We are excited about the addition of the Oyster Shooter as it provides an excellent race option for people who want more challenging fun than a 5k or 10k,” says Ornstein. “The Oyster Racing Series allows racers to choose their own adventure. Whether it’s the original Oyster or the Oyster Shooter, both combine athleticism with thought-provoking strategy as racers compete at their own levels while circumnavigating host cities, visiting area attractions, completing crazy tasks and fun challenges.”

About the Merrell Oyster Racing Series

Team Player Productions, Inc. is the producer of the Merrell Oyster Racing Series. The company specializes in event production and consulting for world-class festivals and events. The company’s highly recognized portfolio includes: The Park City Food & Wine Classic, The Steamboat Wine Festival and The Taste of Fort Collins.

About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

NOTE TO TELEVISION EDITORS: Oyster Series Urban Adventure Race B-roll footage is available upon request.

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