Like it or not, reality TV shows have influenced our culture, in many negative ways, but also a few positive ways. Charities and their supporters have now begun to take note of the popularity of reality TV and in response to it, modeled some of their own drives and campaigns after some of these popular series.

The Great MN Race is modeled after CBS series The Amazing Race, with a few original twists thrown in to give a local appeal. The race will benefit Urban Ventures, a faith-based non-profit that works to break the cycle of generational poverty, specifically in the Central and Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis.

The Great MN Race will take teams of two across the metro area of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota. Teams will be solving clues and performing challenging tasks that are both mental and physical in nature as they race across the city (by foot, by bus, or by train).

The Great MN Race is unlike any race in the area, combining the fun elements of racing, solving clues, and completing tasks all while exploring the urban areas of the Twin Cities.

There’s still plenty of time to find a partner and register your team of two to participate in the race. Register online for $45 before 11:59pm Friday August 27th, or if you register today, it’s only $40.

Registration and check-in is at 8:30am on Saturday and the race begins at 9:30 at 1199 Midway Pkwy, the north side of Como Pavilion in St. Paul.

For challenge examples, race details, and other information, email info@greatmnrace.com or visit www.greatmnrace.com.