The Origin Story of the ​Ramen Race Competition

The Ramen Race began on a beautiful autumn day in ​2023 when the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, a ​not-for-profit dedicated to promoting international art and ​culture, brainstormed new ideas for their annual Moon ​Festival. They wanted something fun, unique, and ​beneficial to the community.

As they gathered at Pacifica Square, an Asian Lifestyle ​Center in Aurora, IL, a little red panda named, Hoshi ​suddenly appeared, carrying a steaming bowl of ramen. ​The room filled with its savory aroma, and the panda's ​speed and enthusiasm inspired a brilliant idea—The ​Ramen Race! A thrilling competition where contestants ​race against the clock to devour bowls of ramen, all in the ​name of charity and fun.

The Ramen Race quickly grew into a beloved tradition, ​celebrating culture, community, and, of course, ramen. ​Join us in this exciting journey—whether competing, ​cheering, or enjoying the fun, the Ramen Race is more ​than just a competition; it’s a celebration of friendship ​and flavor!

August 5, 2003

Prizes

How to Get a ​Seat-2-Compete?

1

Earn A Raffle Ticket

Visit a participating Strings Ramen* location and ​beat the Hell Challenge or spend at least $50 ​when you dine-in.**

*Aurora, IL // Chinatown, Chicago // Lake View // Hyde Park

**For more information visit a Strings location or www.StringsRamen.com

IMPORTANT ​DATES

Thank You Sponsors

Thank you to the amazing sponsors who help us have fun!

Hoshi the Red Panda

Hoshi’s story began in the undiscovered misty mountains of somewhere in Asia, where he lived a ​peaceful life among the bamboo forests. But Hoshi was no ordinary red panda—he had an ​insatiable curiosity for the world beyond his mountainous home. One day, while exploring, Hoshi ​stumbled upon an ancient scroll, hidden deep within a bamboo grove. The scroll spoke of a ​legendary place where cultures from all over the world came together—a place called Pacifica ​Square.

Intrigued by the tales of international flavors and the promise of new experiences, Hoshi embarked ​on a journey across mountains, rivers, and cities. His adventure eventually led him to Aurora, ​Illinois, where he found the fabled Pacifica Square.

As he explored the bustling shopping center, an aroma caught his attention. He sniffed the air, ​following the aroma of the delicious ramen until he arrived at the storefront window of,

Strings Ramen...and he immediately knew he had found his new home.

At Pacifica Square, Hoshi quickly became a beloved figure, known for his love of ramen and his ​playful antics. His presence inspired the organizers of the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, ​who saw in Hoshi the perfect symbol for their new event—the Ramen Race. With his charming ​demeanor and boundless energy, Hoshi became the official mascot, embodying the spirit of fun, ​community, and cultural exchange that the event represents.

Now, Hoshi is more than just a mascot; he’s a local legend. Each year, he leads the Ramen Race ​with enthusiasm, cheering on contestants as they race to finish their bowls of ramen. Whether he’s ​playfully teasing participants or posing for photos with fans, Hoshi brings joy to everyone he meets. ​His journey from the mountains of China to the heart of Aurora serves as a reminder that, no matter ​where you come from, there’s always a place where you belong.

Hoshi the Red Panda

Name: Hoshi (欲しい)

Species: Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Gender: Male

Age: Estimated to be 3 years old

Height: Approximately 2 feet (60 cm) standing on all fours

Weight: Around 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.5 kg)

Fur Color: Rich reddish-brown fur with white markings on the face, ears, and tail

Eye Color: Large, expressive dark brown eyes

Distinguishing Features:

• Prominent white "mask" pattern on the face resembling a superhero mask
  
• Bushy, ringed tail with alternating red and white stripes
  
• Small, rounded ears with white fur inside
  
• Short, sturdy legs with black fur, ending in clawed paws
  

Known Habits:

• Frequently seen carrying or slurping on a bowl of ramen noodles
  
• Often found in the vicinity of Pacifica Square, where he enjoys the ambiance of ​local eateries
  
• Known for his playful and curious nature, often engaging with people in the ​community
  

Ramen Race: Official Rules, Disclaimers, Waivers

1. Eligibility:

• Entrants must be at least 18 years old as of their date of entry in the promotion to qualify. Sweepstakes, raffles and giveaways are subject to federal, state, and ​local laws and regulations and are void where prohibited by law.
  

2. Sponsorship and Hosts:

• The Organizers (individually and jointly referred to herein as the "Organizers") will conduct Sweepstakes, Raffles, Contests, and/or Competitions of skill ​(individually and jointly referred to herein as the "Event") substantially as described in these Official Rules.
  

3. Agreement to Rules:

• By participating in the Event, at any stage of the Event, each participant (referred to herein as the "Entrant" or "You") agrees to abide by these Official Rules and ​decisions, which are fully and unconditionally binding in all respects. The Organizers reserve the right to refuse, withdraw, or disqualify any entry at any time at ​their sole discretion. By entering the Event, You represent and warrant that You are eligible to participate based on the eligibility requirements explained in the ​Official Rules. You further agree to accept the decisions of the Organizers as final and binding as they relate to the content and administration of the Event.
  

4. Event Entry Period:

• The Promotion begins and ends as described where the Events are announced ("Entry Period"). To be eligible for the Event, entries must be received within the ​specified Entry Period.
  

5. How to Enter:

• Eligible entrants can enter the Event by participating in the activities as described where the Events are announced. This may include purchasing raffle tickets for ​a chance to win a seat at the Competition, earning raffle tickets by completing in-store challenges, or by spending a specified amount of money in participating ​restaurants. As a participant, your entry must fully meet all the Event requirements as specified in these Official Rules to be eligible to win a prize. Incomplete ​entries or those that do not adhere to the Official Rules or specifications will be disqualified at the Sponsor's sole discretion. Raffle entries and competition seats ​are not transferable.
  

6. Proceeds from Raffle Tickets:

• Net proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go to the non-profit, Global Friendship Exchange Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. By purchasing a raffle ticket, ​You acknowledge and agree that the proceeds will support this charitable cause.
  

Ramen Race: Official Rules, Disclaimers, Waivers (contd.)

7. Selection and Notification of Contestants:

• Contestants will be selected by a method as stated where the Event was announced. Contestants may be picked with one or more methods such as a random ​drawing, fastest times, a panel of judges assessing skills, etc., under the supervision of the Organizers. The Organizers will notify the Contestants as stated ​where the Event was announced on or around September 5, 2024. The Organizers are not responsible for, nor shall have any liability for, Contestant’s failure to ​receive notices due to email security settings that may cause notifications to be marked as spam or junk email, nor for the Contestant’s provision of incorrect or ​non-functioning contact information. If the Contestant fails to confirm their selection by September 4, 2024, is found ineligible, is not able to compete live on ​stage on September 14, 2024, or does not complete and return an executed declaration and release within the specified timeframe, the Contestant’s Seat may ​be forfeited, and an alternate Contestant may be selected.
  

8. Odds:

• The total number of eligible entries received during the Qualifier Events determines the odds of becoming one of the Contestants (one of the eighteen (18) Seats ​at the Competition).
  

9. Prizes:

• The Event consists of two stages: 1) “Qualifier Events”; and 2) “Competition”. Participating in the Qualifier Events does not guarantee that You will be able to ​compete in the Competition nor does it guarantee that You will receive a prize. Participating in the Qualifier Events grants You an entry for a chance to compete in ​the Competition. To win one of the listed prizes, Contestants must compete in the live-on-stage event Competition.
  
• Raffle Ticket Purchase: Each raffle ticket purchased grants the Entrant one chance to win a seat at the Competition. However, regardless of how many times an ​Entrant's name is selected, each Entrant is eligible to win only one seat at the Competition. If an Entrant's name is drawn multiple times, they will receive only ​one seat, and additional selections will be disregarded.
  

10. Rules of the Competition:

• Each Contestant will be assigned a timeslot for the Competition on September 14, 2024. Each Contestant must arrive and check in at least 1-hour prior to their ​assigned timeslot and must be ready and available to go on stage for the Competition.
  
• Each Contestant will be given a bowl of ramen, and the Contestant will be timed on how fast they can finish eating all contents in the serving bowl, which includes ​everything, including the soup, that must be consumed.
  
• Prizes are awarded based on the time recorded for each Contestant. In the event of a tie, the Organizers will determine how to break the tie.
  
• All persons who are confirmed to be "Contestants" will receive communication from the Organizers, which may include additional rules and information.
  

Ramen Race: Official Rules, Disclaimers, Waivers (contd.)

11. Waiver Requirement:

• All Contestants will be required to sign a Waiver in order to compete. This Waiver will release the Organizers from any liability associated with participation in the ​Event.
  

12. No Refunds or Monetary Reimbursement and No Cash Prize:

• There are no refunds or monetary (cash) reimbursements and no cash prizes for anyone participating in the Event. Any costs associated with entering or ​participating in the Event, including but not limited to purchasing a raffle ticket, participating or expense related to in-store Qualifier Events, travel, ​accommodation, etc. are the sole responsibility of the Entrant. The Organizers are not responsible in any way for any costs incurred by Entrants.
  

13. Intellectual Property and Ownership:

• Ownership of Intellectual Property: All rights, title, and interest in and to the Event, including but not limited to the Event's name, concept, logo, branding, ​promotional materials, digital and physical assets, website content, and any other materials created for or in connection with the Event (collectively referred to as ​the "Event Assets"), are the exclusive property of the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation. Any intellectual property or assets used in the Event that are owned ​by other Organizers shall remain the property of those respective Organizers.
  
• Protection of Intellectual Property: Participants and any third parties involved in the Event are strictly prohibited from using, copying, reproducing, distributing, or ​otherwise exploiting any of the Event Assets without the prior written consent of the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation. Unauthorized use of any Event Assets ​is a violation of intellectual property laws and will be subject to legal action.
  
• No Rights Granted: Participation in the Event does not grant any rights, licenses, or interests in the Event Assets to any participant or third party. All intellectual ​property rights related to the Event remain the sole and exclusive property of the Global Friendship Exchange Foundation or the respective Organizer, as ​applicable.
  
• Enforcement: The Global Friendship Exchange Foundation and the respective Organizers reserve the right to enforce their intellectual property rights to the fullest ​extent permitted by law, including seeking damages, injunctive relief, and any other legal or equitable remedies.
  

Ramen Race: Official Rules, Disclaimers, Waivers (contd.)

14. Media Release:

• The Organizers regularly receive and take photographs, videos, or motion pictures; or receive or produce videotapes, audiotapes, social media posts, webcasts, or ​other types of media productions that capture names, voices, and/or images (any of the foregoing types of media are called the "Materials").
  
• By entering a submission, you grant permission to the Organizers to use, reuse, copy, publish, display, exhibit, reproduce, and distribute the Materials in any ​educational or promotional materials or other forms of media without notifying you. Participants agree to be identified by name in any material and are ​participating on a voluntary basis, understanding they will not be compensated in any way for the Materials. Fraudulent methods of entry or circumventing the ​rules may result in the Organizers invalidating entries and removing participants.
  

15. Rights Granted by You:

• By submitting an entry (e.g., raffle ticket purchase, in-store qualifying event for raffle ticket, text, video, photo, etc.) into the Organizers' Event, You understand and ​agree that the Organizers, or any individual acting on the Organizers' behalf, and their licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right to print, publish, ​broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity, worldwide and without limitation, your submission, name, photo, ​portrait, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Event, and your biographical information for news, publicity, advertising, promotional purposes, trade, ​information, and public relations without any further notice, review, consent, compensation, or remuneration. By participating in the Event, all participants agree ​and acknowledge that the Organizers can contact them and add participant contact information into their database to receive emails and marketing promotion ​communications.
  

16. Indemnification:

• Indemnification Clause: Participants agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organizers, their subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, agents, successors, ​assigns, directors, employees, and officers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable ​attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to their participation in the Event, including but not limited to any breach of these Official Rules by the participant, or any ​other actions taken by the participant related to the Event.
  

17. Force Majeure:

• Force Majeure Clause: The Organizers shall not be liable for any failure to perform, or any delay in performance of, any of their obligations under these Official ​Rules if such failure or delay is caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, strikes, ​lockouts, fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural disasters, government-imposed restrictions, or any other circumstances of force majeure.
  

Ramen Race: Official Rules, Disclaimers, Waivers (contd.)

18. Severability:

• Severability Clause: If any provision of these Official Rules is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue ​to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  

19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction:

• Governing Law: These Official Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, United States, without regard to its ​conflict of law principles.
  
• Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising out of or related to these Official Rules, the Event, or the participation therein shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the ​state and federal courts located in Illinois, United States.
  

20. Confidentiality:

• Confidentiality Clause: Participants agree not to disclose any confidential information they may receive about the Event or the Organizers, including but not limited ​to the rules, strategies, or any non-public information related to the Event, unless required by law or authorized by the Organizers in writing.
  

21. Waiver of Jury Trial:

• Waiver of Jury Trial: By participating in the Event, participants expressly waive their right to a trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to ​these Official Rules, the Event, or their participation therein.
  

22. No Waiver:

• No Waiver Clause: The failure of the Organizers to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not be construed as a waiver of that provision or any other ​provision of these Official Rules, nor shall it affect the validity of these Official Rules or the right of the Organizers to enforce each and every provision hereof.
  

23. Entire Agreement:

• Entire Agreement: These Official Rules constitute the entire agreement between the participants and the Organizers concerning the Event and supersede all prior ​agreements, understandings, or representations, whether oral or written, regarding the subject matter herein.