The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall is celebrating the end of the semester and getting a jump start on summer by hosting its very own Amazing Race on Saturday, May 4 with a mass start at 11 a.m. Up to 25 2-member teams will vie for bragging rights and great prizes.
UMPI’s Amazing Race is being coordinated by Keli Marston, UMPI’s Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, and Amanda Baker, UMPI’s Recreation Programs Coordinator. The race will include 20 challenges located at specific spots on the University grounds. Teams will race around campus with a partner, using clues to find the right location, and then complete a challenge of a physical, mental, funny, or completely random task before getting their next clue and moving on to the next challenge.
“We’re not going to make anyone eat bugs, though,” Baker said, referring to similar races where participants are asked to complete strange and sometimes unappetizing challenges. “We’re very excited about offering an Amazing Race for the campus and community and encourage everyone who wants to participate in this really fun event to register as soon as possible.”
Baker and Marston said they wanted to host this event for race enthusiasts of all kinds. Participants will be getting an excellent physical and mental workout, but won’t have to do any serious training to prepare for this race.
“We just wanted to create an event where people could get outside and have a lot of fun,” Marston said. “We’ve put a lot of work into our clues and challenges and think our racers are going to really enjoy what we’ve created for them.”
While the race starts at 11 a.m., participants will be able to pick up their race packets and T-shirts at Gentile Hall at 10 a.m. Organizers will provide pizza, water and Gatorade for all racers.
Cost to register is $30 per team ($15 per person) and participants must register as teams of two. Pre-registration is required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration form can be found online at www.umpi.edu/gentile-hall. Space is limited so racers are encouraged to sign up early.
For more information about UMPI’s Amazing Race, contact Keli Marston or Amanda Baker at Gentile Hall at 768-9772.