Urban Adventure Challenge returns with a tougher route
Patrice Smith and Pam Tegtmeier are not typical athletes or organizers. When they go on jogs together, their minds are moving almost as quickly as their legs—concocting recipes for the Wooster Urban Adventure Challenge that include flavors of nearly all of the elements.
Designed for those who enjoy the thrill of the unpredictable, or the rush of pushing physical capabilities to their limits, the event was a welcomed flood of adrenaline. The race was organized by the Wooster Adventure Charities Organization, which is a nonprofit organization.
On Saturday, July 28, the event came to life for the second year in a row. Participants in groups of two to three began the journey at Alice Noble Ice Arena and were expected to run, bike, hike and solve clues to make it to their next checkpoint.
The first three challenges included an ice hockey stint, T-ball and one lap at Oak Hill Park. Contestants explored Wooster’s downtown—reading books at Books In Stock, answering trivia questions at the farmers market, completing origami at the Wooster Book Company, spinning yarn at Calla Lily Yarn and Gifts and playing beer pong at Spoon Market. Participants were also expected to kick a field goal, play croquet, hop into Freedlander and Christmas Run pools, complete an obstacle course and match up artifacts and artists with their continent of origin at The College of Wooster. One of the most difficult parts of the challenge, however, was a hike through Vulture’s Knob.
“It was tougher than last year. Vulture’s Knob in the woods was the worst. You never knew when you were going to get out of there. But, it was fun,” said Matt Wade, participant.
As part of the challenge, the participants stopped by People to People Ministries, where they dropped off a donation of children’s socks or underwear. The event will donate its proceeds to People to People Ministries, and the proceeds are expected to be about $30,000 between registration, sponsor funds and money from the auctions and raffles.
“It was probably the greatest privilege and phone call we’ve ever really received,” said Lydia Stahl, executive director of People to People Ministries. “We’re excited to be a part of the team this year.”
There were approximately 55 teams participating in the challenge, which is about the same participation rate as last year.
“It went awesome. People were out there a really long [time] and they persevered. It was harder this year. Physically harder, longer and I thought the volunteers did a fantastic job. It went great,” Smith said.
Smith added that she loves the challenge of developing the event and enjoys witnessing the sense of accomplishment the participants experience as they finish. An after-party was held at the Olde Jaol, where the teams could see where they placed in the event and celebrate the journey.
Lauren Vargo and Will Cary placed first with a time of four hours and 43 minutes. Brett Wright, Nick Shaw and Dan Stavneser placed second with a time of four hours and 56 minutes. Matt and Dan Wade took third place with a finish time of five hours and two minutes.
Designed for those who enjoy the thrill of the unpredictable, or the rush of pushing physical capabilities to their limits, the event was a welcomed flood of adrenaline. The race was organized by the Wooster Adventure Charities Organization, which is a nonprofit organization.
On Saturday, July 28, the event came to life for the second year in a row. Participants in groups of two to three began the journey at Alice Noble Ice Arena and were expected to run, bike, hike and solve clues to make it to their next checkpoint.
The first three challenges included an ice hockey stint, T-ball and one lap at Oak Hill Park. Contestants explored Wooster’s downtown—reading books at Books In Stock, answering trivia questions at the farmers market, completing origami at the Wooster Book Company, spinning yarn at Calla Lily Yarn and Gifts and playing beer pong at Spoon Market. Participants were also expected to kick a field goal, play croquet, hop into Freedlander and Christmas Run pools, complete an obstacle course and match up artifacts and artists with their continent of origin at The College of Wooster. One of the most difficult parts of the challenge, however, was a hike through Vulture’s Knob.
“It was tougher than last year. Vulture’s Knob in the woods was the worst. You never knew when you were going to get out of there. But, it was fun,” said Matt Wade, participant.
As part of the challenge, the participants stopped by People to People Ministries, where they dropped off a donation of children’s socks or underwear. The event will donate its proceeds to People to People Ministries, and the proceeds are expected to be about $30,000 between registration, sponsor funds and money from the auctions and raffles.
“It was probably the greatest privilege and phone call we’ve ever really received,” said Lydia Stahl, executive director of People to People Ministries. “We’re excited to be a part of the team this year.”
There were approximately 55 teams participating in the challenge, which is about the same participation rate as last year.
“It went awesome. People were out there a really long [time] and they persevered. It was harder this year. Physically harder, longer and I thought the volunteers did a fantastic job. It went great,” Smith said.
Smith added that she loves the challenge of developing the event and enjoys witnessing the sense of accomplishment the participants experience as they finish. An after-party was held at the Olde Jaol, where the teams could see where they placed in the event and celebrate the journey.
Lauren Vargo and Will Cary placed first with a time of four hours and 43 minutes. Brett Wright, Nick Shaw and Dan Stavneser placed second with a time of four hours and 56 minutes. Matt and Dan Wade took third place with a finish time of five hours and two minutes.
Published: July 30, 2012
