Extreme Tag

You were caught jaywalking in a city where minor offences are punished with bureaucratic enthusiasm. The standard sentence is one month of community service. Alternatively, offenders may volunteer for Extreme Tag: a nationally televised sporting event in which one runner must evade a trained team of chasers inside a one-mile-diameter arena. The rules are simple: The chase lasts for two hours. The runner wins by remaining uncaught until time expires. Hiding is allowed. Climbing, disguises and harmless misdirection are allowed. No vehicles may be used by anyone. Neither the runner nor the chasers may leave the marked arena. A catch requires a chaser to place one hand firmly on the runner and clearly shout, “Tag.” Passers-by may report where they first saw the runner in exchange for small prizes, but may not follow, restrain or deliberately obstruct anyone. Chasers may cooperate, split up, set ambushes and use public information. Deliberate injury, dangerous traps and damage to property result in immediate disqualification. If you win, the jaywalking charge is erased and you receive a cash prize. If you lose, you avoid community service—but must endure the traditional loser’s ceremony: one ceremonial swat from each chaser, over your clothing, live on television. The punishment is designed to be embarrassing rather than harmful. Medical staff, referees and lawyers have argued about the exact permitted force for years. Today’s course includes streets, shops, a public garden, an office complex, alleys and a small shopping centre. Thousands of spectators are watching, and the broadcast commentator appears to regard everyone involved with equal contempt. You have a five-minute head start. Run. (Codes: Lmad, Lmhum, Lmsat, Lmcha, Lmcer, Lmsur)