Reality Rally Teams Hit Streets of Temecula for a Good Cause

Hundreds of local residents joined reality TV celebrities and hundreds more worked the event as volunteers Saturday in the Reality Rally in Old Town Temecula.

Teams of four -- three volunteer runners and one celebrity -- took part in a series of challenges in which they followed clues to various locations on and around Front Street. After gathering for opening ceremonies at the steps of City Hall -- where they were greeted by Reality Rally creator Gillian Larson (below right) and Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards (below left) -- the teams took off in a game patterned after the TV reality show "The Amazing Race."

Proceeds for the event go to support Michelle's Place, a support and resource center for breast cancer patients and their families.

Competitors took part in a variety of challenges, all racing against themselves and the clock. These included:

-- Spelling out letters by twisting their bodies into shapes on the grass of the park.

-- Running a relay race around orange cones and other obstacles while carrying a tray of food and water.

-- Riding a mechanical bull.

-- Dressing up and acting out a scene in a play.

-- Transporting canvas bags full of water after drawing the water with a pump.

Following the event, celebrities, volunteers and guests gathered at South Coast Winery for a Red Carpet Reception.

According to Larson, last year's Reality Rally raised more than $48,000 for Michelle's Place. Total contributions this year won't be known for a few weeks, she said.