In just over two weeks, teams of adventure seekers will descend on Williamsburg to complete a series of challenges, but only one team will be able to claim themselves the champions of the 3rd Annual Great Williamsburg Adventure Race.
On Sept. 17, teams of students from the College of William and Mary as well as Greater Williamsburg residents will race from station to station — completing interactive tasks as they go — to earn points.
The race consists of a series challenges. In previous races participants danced, worked comedy routines, and recorded radio promotions, according to the event’s website.
This year, the race has been streamlined to allow participants to go at their own pace, according to race organizer Liz Sykes. The race starts at 3 p.m., and teams that want a chance at winning prizes will need to return to the final race station by 6 p.m. to qualify.
“It works for whatever style your team wants to take,” Sykes said. “It’ll be fun regardless. It’s up to participants on how they experience the event.”
Racers won’t be able to use anything but their feet for the event — as using bicycles or other forms of transportation will disqualify them from winning any prizes.
“We have more challenges this year than the last two years combined,” organizer Adam Stackhouse said.
Sykes, 33, and Stackhouse, 34, own AVAdventure Productions, a Richmond-based live-event and videography production company. The pair spent several years in Williamsburg as students at the College of William and Mary, according to Stackhouse.
The event requires a ticket for all participants. Registration is limited, and all participants must register in advance, according to the event’s website. Enrolled William and Mary students race at no cost, but the cost is $20 for all other participants.
Last year nearly 400 people participated in the race, according to organizers.
“There’s going to be more of a focus at more people being engaged at challenge stations throughout the race,” Stackhouse said.
Participants of all ages, sizes and skill levels will find the race and its tasks conquerable at its near three-mile total length, the race’s website said. Since there’s a lot of walking involved in the race, organizers recommended racers be at least 10 years of age.
All racers are welcome, but because racers will be entering local businesses, organizers are asking participants leave the family dog at home.
“It’s fun to be competitive about it, but we’re going to have a ton of teams and only three will take home prizes,” Stackhouse said.
Prizes include medals, “bragging rights,” gift-cards, and items sponsored by area businesses, Stackhouse said.
A full rundown of the rules can be found here.
Have you got news tips? Send them over to [email protected]. His inbox loves racing and his Twitter feed is always looking for adventure.
