Pictou County will be soon host an adventurous race, in which people of all ages are encouraged to participate. July 14 marks the date of the third annual Routes to Riches event.
Routes to Riches is Pictou County’s version of the TV series, The Amazing Race. It requires teams to navigate Pictou County searching for clues in an adventure all throughout the region.
“It’s teams of people in cars, following clues to unique destinations throughout Pictou County,” said Stacey Dlamini, the program director for Pictou County Roots for Youth. “It’s a real race with real prizes on the line.”
Dlamini didn’t want to spoil the twists and turns in the race, but hinted that the theme for this year is ‘Get movin’ – meaning a lot of the physical activity.
Anyone can participate in Routes to Riches, Dlamini noted, adding, “participants can range from toddlers to people in their eighties.”
“It’s for people of varying ages and physical abilities. It can be families, groups of friends who want a fun summer activity to do on Sunday – we also get businesses that enter and use it as a team-building event.”
At each stop along the way, teams will be given tasks to complete, where “if they’re successful, they’ll get a green sticker on their race passport, and a clue to get to the next destination,” said Dlamini. “If they are not successful, they can still proceed to the next destination, but will get a red X on their race passport (and be hit with a time penalty).”
Dlamini said she expects to see a good turnout, noting that usually around 24 teams participate –about 100 people.
The only limitation on how many people can participate on a team is the number of seatbelts in a particular vehicle. The event will conclude with a barbecue at the finish line.
The race will begin behind the Roots House, at 558 South Frederick St. in New Glasgow.
Dlamini said the event is meant to raise funds for Pictou County Roots for Youth. The minimum amount each team is required participate is $125 – but Dlamini said she hopes the teams put their best foot forward in fundraising efforts, canvassing colleagues and friends.
“This is one of two major fundraisers we have every year, and we have high hopes for it.”
Teams are expected to check in at 9 a.m. and the starting bell for the race will sound at 10 a.m.
To register for the race, or for more information, visit www.pictoucountyrootsforyouth.com , email [email protected] or call 902-695 3241.
