For anyone out there that was trying to solve the race, it looks like someone else already beat you to it:

So, I've won the race, and I've confimed it with Chris Shiflett! Woo hoo! In all seriousness, it took me only an hour and a half to solve. I had never really cared to put any time into it, so I had only given it cursory glances. However, when I noticed that Zend had fronted a prize for it, I decided on a whim to try a sweet tactic, which proved, in the end, to greatly aid in crossing the finish line first.

What was that tactic? you may ask. Well, if I told you, there wouldn't be anymore challenge, would there? Nope. I have sworn myself to secrecy until Chris decides to publish the answer.

Until then, will you come in second?

I can't wait to see what they "tactic" that he employed to solve it was - then we can all collectively go "oh, I knew that, and go on our way...)