Frequently Asked Questions
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General Race Information
Challenge Information
Race Day Information
Racer Registration Information
Drivers and Liabilities
Sponsor and Volunteer Information
Racer Details
General Race Information
What is the Amazing Race Around Jackson?
The Amazing Race Around Jackson is a community event where racer teams will be given challenges and clues that will take them around Jackson to area Businesses and Points of Interest. Racers will decipher clues, solve puzzles, complete challenges, and pass through checkpoints…all in a timely manner. This promises to be a fun-filled day packed with adventure, memory-making moments, and various opportunities for some exercise of both your mind and body.
How does the race work?
After the race team successfully finds the first clue, they will be either given another clue or presented with a challenge. After the race team has completed a series of clues and/or challenges, the team will proceed to a designated checkpoint stop.
At each checkpoint, teams will have to show evidence that they have completed the required clues and/or challenges. Teams will be sent out in the same manner as before. Teams will then go through the next series of clues, challenges, and checkpoints until they have completed the Amazing Race Around Jackson racecourse.
All race teams will then return to the fairgrounds. The race team that successfully completes all required clues and challenges and is the first team to step on the mat at the finish line, will be declared the winner of the Amazing Race Around Jackson. This team will be awarded the grand prize. There will be additional prizes awarded.
Who benefits from the event?
The community of Jackson benefits through increasing awareness of the points-of-interest, showing off Jackson’s great history, and having its citizens become engaged in making history…like participating in the first annual Amazing Race Around Jackson. Some non-profit charities in the Jackson area will also benefit. They will be able to say that this race has made a difference for them to extend help to someone in need. Our sponsors will benefit by allowing 150 people to trample through their doors, all in the name of…charity, community, and fun. The sponsors have made it possible for a race team to hold the covenant title of Winner of Amazing Race Around Jackson! They also have helped to provide some great prizes, not just for the title winner but also for other category winners. (Shhh…we cannot give any information about the other category prizes because we might give away a clue). We anticipate that the racers will learn something new about our community and our sponsors that participate in the Amazing Race Around Jackson. Our sponsor’s location, products, and services will be showcased. It will provide awareness to other community events that the sponsor has contributed to. The racers will have a new prospective on how great the businesses in Jackson, TN, truly are. In addition, the racers will also enjoy a day set with excitement, adventure, and just plain-old-fashion fun! Of course, the proceeds go to help Sacred Heart of Jesus High School in continuing to grow and expand in the Jackson community. Thank you to all for making this such a fun and exciting event!
Challenge Information
What are the challenges/clues like?
All elements of the challenges and clues are kept top secret and not revealed until you physically reach that location on race day. Some clues/challenges will require a vehicle and a licensed driver. Also, remember some clues/challenges may be done on foot or require some other means of transportation.
I am not very athletic. Will I be able to do all of the challenges?
The challenges are designed so that the average adult will be able to complete them. Some challenges will only require one racer of the team to compete. Other challenges will involve the entire team (if you are a two-person team, each racer will go twice). Problem solving skills, the art of persuasion, and mental toughness can often be much more valuable than physical strength and speed.
I have a disability. Can I still participate in race?
See above. If you have a disability, please discuss with race officials prior to race day. Reasonable accommodations can be made in a manner fair to all racers.
What happens if we cannot complete one of the clues or challenges?
As stated, the average adult should be able to complete each task in a reasonable amount of time. All challenges and clues must be attempted. If for some reason you are unable to complete the challenge and clue, the team will be assessed with a time penalty for that task and then proceed to the next task.
What happens if a team member gets sick or hurt and cannot continue?
Some of the challenges require at least two members. As long as the team has at least two members, they may continue in the race.
Can racers carry material they might need to solve clues or challenges?
Since the clues and challenges are top-secret known only to a very few people. How would you know what you would need? Nonetheless, bring anything extra you would like.
Race Day Information
What should our team bring?
The only mandatory items for the Race are a vehicle to travel in, TWO working cell phones and a digital camera (a cell phone camera is sufficient). A lawn chair might be useful, while you are at the fairgrounds. There will be some waiting periods. Aside from that, bring whatever you think you will need.
What should our team wear for the race?
Teams will be required to wear the Amazing Race Around Jackson T-shirt, which we provide, for the duration of the event. Remember you will do physical challenges, so we suggest wearing comfortable, but appropriate, athletic wear. Closed-toed shoes are required (tennis shoes are ok).
What happens if it rains?
The Race goes on rain or shine. Be prepared for the elements! If there is, severe weather, watch for announcements on www.shjhs.org and listen to local radio stations.
How long will the race take to complete?
Registration begins at 8:30 am and the race starts at 10:00 am sharp. Since sponsors are, still coming on board at this point, we cannot give an exact ending time. Our best estimate for now is about 6 hours. As race day draws closer, we will have a better idea. As racers register online, we will be able to email racers with updates. We strongly encourage everyone to sign up early!
Are there any prizes for the winners?
Yes. The Grand Prize is $500 in cash, a prize pack (net worth value is still growing), and most importantly, holding the title of the Amazing Race Around Jackson Winner. Additional prizes will be awarded, as well. In order to keep clues and challenges a secret, we cannot elaborate on the details of the prizes.
Are there refreshments along the Race?
At each Checkpoint stop, racers will have an opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments and have access to restroom facilities. Having some, spending money might be a good idea, since some of the Checkpoint stops could have some great treats-to-eat or cute treasures for sale.
Is there a process for disputing race times or placement of racers?
Racers times will be recorded as teams enter a checkpoint, which stops the clock. In like manner, as racers leave the checkpoint, their time will be recorded. It is the Race Team Captain’s (aka the team driver) responsibility to verify that the team’s time has been properly recorded. Any problems should be immediately brought to the attention of the Checkpoint Captain on site. DO NOT continue in the race until the time issue has been settled. Checkpoint Captains are the final authority for all decisions at the Checkpoint.
How can we best prepare for the Race?
Because the challenges tend to be quite diverse, as well as secretive, there really is not a lot that you can practice ahead of time. We recommend watching the T.V. show "The Amazing Race." We will try our best to keep the tasks and format true to the actual show, just with a “Jackson” twist.
My family and friends want to see me race. Where is the best place for them to watch?
Since the route of the race is secret, we cannot identify exact locations. The race begins and ends at the Jackson Fairgrounds. We would suggest being there.
Racer Registration Information
How do I register for the Race?
You can register on-line at www.shjhs.org/amazing-race and pay your racer’s fee of $25.00 by using PayPal or your credit card. You can also complete the Racer Registration form (form is available online) and mail form with a check to SHJHS-Amazing Race, 185 Greenfield, Jackson, TN 38305. Call 731-394-8360 for assistance. Due to the logistics of the event, we have limited the number of racers to 150. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not have to have your entire team assembled at once, but it is highly recommended that you purchase all race team spots to guarantee your place in the race.
What is the deadline for registration?
Registration forms and payment must be received by Saturday, October 23, at 9:30am. Your spot in the race will be forfeited if you do not meet this deadline. Your spot will be given up to open registration on race day, which begins at 8:30 am.
How many people can be on a Race Team?
A minimum of 2 racers and a maximum of 4 racers make up a race team. Each team will have one racer to serve as the licensed driver for the team. The driver is also the Team Captain. To understand what is required to be a driver, see racers registration form or the driver and liability section of the question and answers document.
What is required of the team driver?
The team driver will be required to show proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license on race day. If a driver is 17, then the driver is legally limited to transporting no more than one passenger per vehicle.
Can we do the Race as a family?
Yes, this is a perfect family event. Due to the duration of the event and the potential difficulty level of some of the challenges, we suggest a minimum age of 12 years. A team consists of 2 to 4 players (maximum).
Are there any guidelines about who can participate in the race?
Anyone can participate in the race including Sacred Heart of Jesus High School students and their family members. However, SHJHS students and family members are not eligible to win the Grand Cash and Prizes. Sacred Heart of Jesus High School students will be awarded other school spirited prizes.
When, where, and what time is the Amazing Race Around Jackson?
The race is Saturday, October 23, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. (only if there are spots available); 9:00 a.m. Check-in starts, which is where each racer turns in their Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form and team driver presents proof of insurance and valid driver’s license. This is followed by a short team meeting at 9:30 a.m., and the race beginning at 10 a.m.
What is the cost to enter?
$25 per person and there are no refunds. Any paid racer registration may be transferred to another racer with prior approval. Please contact Sandy Maxwell at 731-394-8360 for more details.
Drivers and Liabilities
Do I need vehicle insurance to participate in the Race?
Yes, each race team driver must provide proof of insurance and valid driver’s license on the day of the race.
What is required of the team driver?
The team driver will be required to show proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license on race day. In addition, the team driver will also serve as the team captain.
I am 17 years old. Can I be a team driver?
If a driver is 16 – 17 years old, then that driver is legally limited to transporting no more than one passenger per vehicle. Remember everyone racing under 18 must have a parent sign the Liability Release and Assumption of Riskon race day.
What happens if I have an accident or traffic violation?
The team driver and/or team is responsible for any damages or fines. Teams will be disqualified for an accident or traffic violation. Please read our Liability Release and Assumption of Risk. A signed copy is required at check-in. No roads will be closed for this event, so please drive safely and obey all traffic laws. Police are aware of race route.
What happens if my car breaks down?
Teams are responsible for the maintenance of their vehicle. Such incidents may slow a team down.
Sponsor and Volunteer Information
Who is an ideal sponsor for the Amazing Race Around Jackson?
Most any business could benefit from having the attention of 150 people to racing through their doors. The sponsor will have a captive audience to impress; rather they do it on race day by offering fun, exciting, and impressionable memory-making moment for the racers to savor. Or sponsors may want to provide a means for a future return visit for the racers, by giving coupons, gift certificates, or product give-a-ways. The clues and challenges will provide an excellent opportunity for your business to shine. The race community really allows the sponsor to have free rein on how they want to influence the racers in getting to know their business. Therefore, if any of this applies to your business, you are an ideal sponsor for this event.
How do I become a sponsor of the Amazing Race?
Sponsorship information can be obtained at www.shjhs.org/amazing-race or by calling Sandy Maxwell at 731-394-8360.
Can I volunteer to help with the Race?
We already have a Race Committee established to plan the race. However, on race day we will need many volunteers to pitch in. The more help we have will provide more assurance that everything will run smoothly on race day. If you are interested, please email Sandy Maxwell @ sandy.maxwell@shjhs.org or call 731-394-8360. Thank you for your help!
Race Details
The 2nd running of the Amazing Race Around Jackson is Saturday, October 1, 2011. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and race time is at 10:00 a.m. The Amazing Race Around Jackson will begin and end at Pringles Park. Race teams will be gathered into groups, given their first clue, and released.
After the race team successfully finds the first clue, they will either be given another clue or presented with a challenge. After the race team has completed a series of clues and/or challenges, the team will proceed to a designated checkpoint stop.
As the race teams enter the checkpoint, teams will have to show evidence that they have completed the required clues and/or challenges. Teams will then go through the next series of clues, challenges, and checkpoints until they have completed the Amazing Race Around Jackson racecourse.
All race teams will then return to the Pringles Park, where the scores will be tallied. The race team that successfully completes all required clues and/or challenges in the best overall time will be declared the winner of the 2nd Running of the Amazing Race Around Jackson and be awarded the grand prize. There will be some additional prizes awarded.
Below are frequently asked questions about the event. If you still need additional information, please feel free to contact me at sandy.maxwell@shjhs.org.
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