Date: August 24th, 2023
Time: 12 p.m.
Race Time: 1 p.m.
Where: The race will begin and finish at Rapids Brewing Co. (214 N Pokegama Ave., Grand Rapids)
Teams of up to eight (8) people will race against each other to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and be the first to the finish line in this community-wide scavenger hunt.
Event Details
The Itascamazing Race is a Grand Rapids area-wide scavenger hunt consisting of teams of 2-8. Teams will be given a series of clues and challenges to complete in a 3 hour time period. Each challenge will be worth different point values, and some will include bonus points, so teams will need to use their creativity and knowledge of the area to race their way to first!
How to Participate
- Recruit a Team
Gather your friends, coworkers, or family to take on the race together! Your team can consist of up to eight (8) people. Teams consisting of children (ages 6-12) require at least one adult team member. Join a team - Choose a Team Name
Your team name is how you’ll be identified on the race leaderboard – so choose something fun and unique! You also might choose to dress up as a team – and bonus points might be up for grabs for the best-costumed team. - Sign Up
Team members can register individually, or a team captain can sign the whole team up at once. If you’re signing up individually, make sure to identify the same team name as your other team members! - Get a Head Start!
Once your team is registered, the first challenge of the game begins**. Raise a minimum of $500 per team to support United Way programs. While optional, fundraising for United Way is the key to unlocking the Head Start Challenge bonuses. Upon registering, your team fundraising pages will be activated, giving you all the tools you will need to earn badges for recruiting others, fundraising, and social sharing. - Download the race app
The Itascamazing Race will be conducted using the Goosechase app, where you’ll find clues, upload photos, and track your progress. Only one member from each team needs to operate the app. Download: iPhone | Android
Registration
Early Registration (register by July 31st): $30 Adults (ages 13+) | $15 Child (age 6-12)
Advanced Registration (August 1st – 23rd): $35 Adults | $20 Child
Day-of Registration (August 24th): $40 Adults | $25 Child
*There is no age requirement to participate in the race, but many of the challenges may be difficult for those under the age of 10.
Children age 5 and under may join at no cost, however, swag and other event perks will come at an additional cost.
All registered participants will receive a race toolkit.
FAQ
How many people can be on a team?
Teams can consist of up to eight (8) people. Teams that include children (ages 6-12) must have at least one adult on their team for safety purposes.
How long will the race take?
The Itascamazing Race will last for three hours, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teams will be scored on the number of points they can gather by the time they arrive at Rapids Brewing Co. at 4 p.m. – so approach your race strategically!
Can kids do the race?
Children ages six and up are welcome to participate in the race as contestants. Teams with youth 12 and under must have at least one adult to provide transportation and supervision. Children under six do not count as contestants and so can tag along with full teams without paying a registration fee – however, T-shirts and other event perks will incur an additional cost.
Do I have to use my cell phone?
One person will be required to download the race app, which the team will use to to complete challenges and upload photos .
What kind of transportation will I need?
Our race area extends beyond the downtown area of Grand Rapids, so teams are recommended to plan a method of transportation to get around. Teams will likely want to have a car, but any form of transportation is acceptable.
Before beginning the race, review the pre-race instructions to learn about competition rules, find tips, and more.
Head Start Challenge
The Head Start Challenge is key to getting ahead in The Itascamazing Race. By raising support for United Way and the nonprofit network we support, you'll shave minutes off your race time and have the chance at a Wild Card Draw that gives you an additional advantage on race day.
Head Start Challenge:
$500 raised = 1-minute off your race time
$750 raised = 2-minute off your teams time
$1,000 raised = 3-minute off your teams time
Top Fundraising Team = Wild Card Draw
Schedule of Events
12 PM | REGISTRATION / CHECK-IN | RAPIDS BREWING CO. (214 N POKEGAMA AVE, GRAND RAPIDS)
Itascamazing Race team check-in & same-day registration, packet pick up, and app instructions.
1 PM | RACE BEGINS
Race will begin, and teams will set out on their hunts, reaching the finish line at Rapids Brewing Co. by 4 p.m.!
12 – 5:00 PM | CAMPAIGN KICKOFF PARTY | RAPIDS BREWING CO.
Enjoy food and drinks as we celebrate the kickoff of United Way’s campaign season! Members of the public are invited to stop by and enjoy food and drinks while cheering on Itascamazing Race contestants.
2023 Platinum
Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network with over 5,500 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides Broadband High Speed Internet Service up to a Gigabit per second, digital and high definition television services, digital voice services and more. PBC is also Northern Minnesota’s Certified Apple Repair Center.
Sponsor The Itascamazing Race
A new event in 2021, the Itascamazing Race marks the kickoff of United Way’s campaign season with a celebration of the community we live, work, and play in. Inspired by the television show The Amazing Race, this scavenger hunt will see teams of up to six people racing around the Itasca area, solving clues and completing challenges. A pre-race rally in downtown Grand Rapids will mark the start of the event, with a finish line and post-race party at a local venue. Community members, companies, and those cheering on racing teams are invited to join in on the pre- and post-race events.
Platinum
$1,000
Recognition as Platinum Sponsor
Option to have your place of business be a scavenger hunt destination
Reduced Itascamazing Race entry fee(s)
Promoted as a platinum sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Live radio interview
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event program, signage, and t-shirt
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website with your logo and a link to your website
Gold
$500
Recognition as Gold sponsor
Signage with your company name and logo at one of the scavenger hunt stops
Reduced Itascamazing Race entry fee(s)
Promoted as a gold sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event program, signage, and t-shirt
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website
If you’re interested in sponsoring The Itascamazing Race or another event, email kimberly@uwlakes.org or call United Way at 218-999-7570.
Be Informed and Be Vocal
Effective change requires increased awareness. You can help activate change in our community by making your voice heard for the causes and issues that matter most to you.