RealityRunner can't hide from virtual spies

Berlin - The world's first manhunt for money through the Internet was launched on Monday as the so-called RealityRunner was let loose.

Berlin locals and Internet users throughout world will be hunting down the RealityRunner - a Dutch native named Roger - for 24 hours a day over the next 24 days, unless he is caught earlier.

The person who finds Roger will receive a $10 000 (about R70 000) bounty, while Roger gets the money if he is not found.

"This is nothing other than a game of hide and seek by other means," said Ruediger Kreklau, creative director of the organising company, ExtraMile.

All of Roger's movements, actions and conversations will be regularly updated on the Internet. Dressed entirely in black, the Runner has $2 500 to start with and will have various tasks to perform - without permanent housing or a personal car.

While Berlin locals can hunt for Roger in the flesh, Internet users have a special character named Jack Black, who roves the German capital hunting down Roger following hints posted online.

On hand to help hunters is also psychologist Konstanze Fakih, who analyses Roger's state of mind for hunters, who can even personally talk to Fakih.

Organisers stressed that people should not physically capture Roger but rather just speak his name into his mobile phone.

They said they are also interested in future hunts throughout the world and have a section on the website

to vote for the host of the next run.

A final hunt is scheduled to take place next year in New York City. - Sapa-DPA