Get ready to channel your inner Sherlock, as a brand-new interactive treasure hunt is coming this September!

THE GREAT ST ALBANS CHALLENGE is a fun-packed one-day event where teams race around the city as part of a unique GPS treasure hunt. 

The family-friendly, entertaining, and immersive event takes place on Sunday 29 September 2024 where teams dash through the city’s historic streets, tackling challenges, cracking clues and racking up points to be crowned champions! Whilst there is a time limit, winners are crowned on points, not speed, which makes it even more fun, and inclusive. 

Starting and finishing at the St Albans Cathedral, teams are taken across the city centre on foot. All they need is a mobile phone and a sense of fun as they find ‘hotspots’ and complete the ‘tasks’ generated via the App. 

The event culminates with a prize giving at the Cathedral, where the winner’s trophies are presented, and all participants receive a limited-edition medal!

Local company Wildgoose has launched the event to offer people something a bit different and to raise money for a local charity, with all profits supporting Youth Talk which provides free, confidential counselling for 13–25-year-olds in St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding areas.

Peter Barker, Operations Director at Wildgoose, said: "As a proud local business with a global reach, we understand the significance and importance of giving back to our community. We're thrilled to launch the inaugural 'The Great St Albans Challenge' as an exciting opportunity for local people to enjoy a great day out whilst showcasing St Albans and supporting such a deserving local charity too.”

The event has a rolling start time of 11.30 – 12.30 pm and once started, teams have 2.5 hours to explore the city and complete the fun challenges, with plenty of time to refuel with a cuppa and snack en-route.  The clock stops at 3.00 pm when teams must be seated at the Cathedral for the grand finale event to find out who will be crowned the 2024 challenge Champions.

David Barker, Chief Executive of Youth Talk said: “I can't begin to tell you how excited we are about the Great St Albans Challenge. Not only will it be a fabulously fun afternoon for residents, businesses or organisations across the district of St Albans, but it will play a vital part in supporting our local young people and the work of Youth Talk - win, win!”

Organisers aim to raise £10,000 to support Youth Talk which has helped thousands of young people with free counselling services since 1997. 

The headline sponsor for this year is The Maltings Shopping Centre. Richard Marrett, Centre Manager said; "We are delighted to sponsor The Great St Albans Challenge as part of our commitment to support the local community through the valuable work of Youth Talk.”

Enter a team now!

Book before August 31st to take advantage of an early bird offer of £40 per team - teams can be between 4-6 people.  Register a team and find out about sponsorship opportunities at www.charitychallenge.events