Adventure, BBQ, and a Cause: Seniors First’s Amazing Race Challenge Takes Off July 19

It’s not every day you get to hopscotch at an ice cream parlor, snap selfies at local landmarks, or dance a jig for charity, but that’s exactly what’s in store during the first-ever Amazing Race Challenge, a new community event hosted by Seniors First, the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. The race takes place on Friday, July 19, and promises a full day of fun, all in support of local seniors.

The Amazing Race Challenge blends the excitement of a scavenger hunt with the charm of a regional road trip. Teams of two to four will travel through their chosen part of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, Warren, or Winchester, completing challenges that range from wacky and whimsical to thoughtful and educational.

“This is a chance to explore your community in a whole new way,” said Greg Stockton, Director of Development at Seniors First. “It’s built for fun, and at the same time, it helps keep seniors connected and cared for.”

Here’s how it works: Participants choose their county, download the Eventzee app, and use a unique race code to unlock their challenges. Tasks include things like filming a team dance at Jig ‘n Jive, posing at Skyline Drive, identifying historical markers, or guessing the flavor of the day at C&C Ice Cream. Some challenges are just for fun, like a hopscotch contest, while others offer bonus points and test your trivia smarts.

Once a team hits the “start” button on race day, any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the clock starts ticking. Teams race to complete as many challenges as possible before the deadline, racking up points to climb the leaderboard. Some may stay close to home, while more ambitious racers might cross county lines for higher-value tasks.

And the fun doesn’t end when the race does.

At 6 p.m., the Grand Finale Celebration begins at the Warren Senior Center on 15th Street in Front Royal. This wrap-up event will feature a BBQ dinner catered by Clay’s BBQ, live entertainment, and a hybrid silent/online auction with a wide variety of prizes.

Some auction items include:

• Taylor Swift memorabilia, including a framed, hand-autographed CD collection
• One-day tickets to Kings Dominion
• A Nashville foodie tour
• Game night gift packages from Play Anything
• A New Zealand golf vacation
• And much more

If you’re not racing but still want to be part of the celebration, dinner tickets are available for $25. The same price applies to racers’ registration fees, but participants can also fundraise their way in.

In fact, teams are encouraged to raise funds to support Seniors First’s General Operations Fund, which covers critical needs not supported by state or federal grants. Whether it’s fixing a Meals on Wheels van or handling emergency home repairs for older adults, the money raised from the Amazing Race goes directly toward helping seniors live safely and independently in their own homes.

Top fundraising teams will earn cash prizes, $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third, along with bragging rights and community recognition.

Seniors First has been serving the Shenandoah Valley for over 50 years, operating six senior centers, providing transportation to medical appointments, offering free Medicare counseling, and delivering hot meals to homebound seniors through programs such as Meals on Wheels. The organization’s newest senior center in Warren County recently received a full renovation and serves as a vibrant community hub, led by staff who are passionate about helping older adults thrive.

As Stockton put it, “This race is about more than fun. It’s about showing up for the seniors who built our towns and neighborhoods. And we’ve made it easy to do that, just grab a team, get the app, and get ready to explore.”

How to Join the Race:

• Register at givebutter.com/c/AmazingRace25
• Download the Eventzee app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Choose your county, get your code, and plan your race.
• Compete on July 19 anytime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Celebrate at 6 p.m. with dinner, dancing, and auction prizes.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, a senior, or a team of coworkers, the Amazing Race Challenge is your chance to turn a summer day into an unforgettable adventure, and help your neighbors while you’re at it.