If you’re a fan of the television show “The Amazing Race,” come out on Friday, June 10 at 5 p.m. to watch the kickoff of a fun filled three-day weekend event.
The Race will be starting at Chrisman Park in Washington C.H. The Race, Fayette County’s version of the popular show, will have two-person teams to compete in the June 10 – 12 race, themed: “Board Games.”
Jeff Underwood, along with Jamie Leasure and Jason Leeth, first created The Race in 2004. It’s only gotten bigger and better ever since. Similar to the TV show, teams of two compete in games of skill while traveling the roads of Ohio and getting into some amazing adventures.
In previous years, competitors have done everything from shearing sheep, navigating their way through the Mansfield Reformatory, canoeing, roller-coaster riding, food eating challenges, skydiving, playing ice hockey with the Blue Jackets and more. And, just like the TV show, teams try to avoid being the last ones to the checkpoint or they risk elimination.
Not only is it a game of skill, and sometimes speed, but also a little bit of fundraising for a good cause. Last year The Race benefited the United Way of Fayette County and at the conclusion of the event, presented the organization with a check for $4,000. Teams are asked to find a sponsor and participate in various fundraising events in the months leading up to The Race.
This year’s Race is honored to support two local organizations, Hospice of Fayette County and The Fayette County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Hospice of Fayette County is a leading healthcare organization in the area providing quality of life care. They remain committed to respecting and empowering individuals so they remain active in their decision making and personal choices. They strive to enhance existing services and diversify by developing new programs responsive to individuals’ needs; therefore, increasing awareness of the benefits of Hospice. Hospice of Fayette County’s mission is to affirm life and exists to provide comfort, symptom management and support in physical, mental and spiritual aspects when there is a life-limiting illness.
Fayette County Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in the spring of 2010 to function as the fundraising arm of the hospital in support of its mission and charitable purposes. The foundation offers a way for community residents and businesses to directly invest in equipment, services and programs to enhance patient care and the quality of life in Fayette County.
“I can’t believe that we are celebrating our 13th Race,” Jeff Underwood said. “We are honored to bring together two great organizations this year to help the people in our community and hope that we can continue the Race for many more years to come.”
This year’s Race committee consist of Jeff Underwood, April Self, Jodi Klontz, and Erica McKinney. Along with Race board members Ryan Hicks, Angie Smith, Amy Cowden and Tai Shoemaker.
Volunteers are needed to help run the challenges and man the check in points. To volunteer, please contact The Race Committee at 740-505-2993 or email [email protected]. Additionally, more information can be obtained at their website at www.2004therace.com.
There will also be a volunteer meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at The Medical Arts Building 2 in the conference room at 6 p.m. Without volunteers this race would not be able to do what needs to be done. So come out and help make The Race 13 a success. The Race committee and board thanks everyone that participates.
This article was submitted by The Race Committee.
