GRAND RAPIDS — Registration for United Way of 1000 Lakes Itascamazing Race is now open, and early bird registration is available.
Modeled after the reality TV competition series The Amazing Race, participants will race against the clock, completing as many activities as possible within a three-hour window and earning points along the way.
From Rapids Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, teams will be dispatched to crack clues, solve trivia challenges, and discover photo-worthy landmarks and checkpoints.
The game is played on the GooseChase app, which tracks each team, their missions and awards points. While playing, an activity feed will show challenge submissions and team rankings in real time. Challenges range from physical and mental to wacky and fun, and some tasks even prompt participants to learn more about United Way’s work in the Itasca area.
“We’re excited to bring back this light-spirited race,” said Kim Brink Smith, executive director of United Way of 1000 Lakes, in a news release. “Much like United Way’s work to address social challenges in our community, each clue is designed to build teamwork and foster collaboration among players."
Once teams register, they can start the Head Start Challenge and shave time off their team's clock. In this challenge, participants mobilize their friends, family, and coworkers by raising funds for United Way and the many causes it supports.
Teams raising $500 earn a one-minute lead, with an additional minute for reaching $750 and $1,000 fundraising benchmarks. The top fundraising team also earns a Wild Card draw and chances to earn or subtract points from another team.
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, as well as for the best and most creative costume.
Each team must consist of eight participants, with an early registration fee of $30 for adult players (ages 13+) and $15 for child players ages 6-12.
Proceeds from the race support United Way of 1000 Lakes’ annual campaign, which raises funds to support local programs and initiatives working to build long-term upward mobility for Itasca area families.
Event details, registration, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at uwlakes.org/itasca-mazing. Businesses looking to get involved through sponsorship or volunteering can contact United Way at 218-999-7570.
