The Amazing Chase - a fun adventure by Michelle Libby

First place went to Gorham Savings Bank’s – Banking Believers

Last Saturday, 11 teams of four raced through the Sebago Lake region as a part of The Amazing Chase organized by Sebago Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. This high tech adventure race had participants racing from Naples to Standish doing tasks, challenges and answering trivia, all loaded on Apple iPads from Smart Hunts, a Massachusetts company that runs races like this all over the country. 
 

The second annual race included golf pong on the Naples Green, zip lining at Camp Hinds, a trip to Songo Locks and biking and setting up tents in Standish, just to name a few of the challenges. 

Second Place winners - The Sloth Ninja's

First place went to Gorham Savings Bank’s – Banking Believers, made up of Katherine Damon, Kim Donnelly, Mike Voisine and Lisa Hughes; all dressed as bees complete with wings. 

“This was so much fun!  No strategy, complete chaos, and mad driving skills behind the wheel. We definitely have to defend our title next year,” said Lisa Hughes, VP Regional Business Banking Officer.

“Our biggest challenge of the day was getting in and out of the vehicle with those wings. One unexpected outcome was the public’s reaction to four people running around town dressed like bees. From honking horns, to cheers, and high fives at the country club, we put a smile on people’s faces and we really felt like a force for good,” said Damon. The team also won best costume.

Second place went to last year’s winners, Sloth Ninja’s. 

“This race is fantastic and so much fun! I think getting a taste for winning last year certainly helped fuel us this year,” said Sandra Woznicki. “I particularly enjoyed the Sky Fall at Seacoast. But I think most of all, I loved that the teams competing are full of people not afraid to be silly and weird, and you need to be to complete a lot of the challenges. Kudos to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, for putting on an amazing adventure and for such a great cause.”

Third place was Team Headlight, who was also an event lead sponsor. 

Teams also raised money for the chamber initiative Feed the Need, to support the 13 food pantries in the 11 towns in the region. 

“Our second annual Amazing Chase was an overwhelming success. Teams had a fun filled day and couldn’t say enough about their experience tackling challenges all around the region. As the organizer of this event we are so pleased to be showcasing not only the natural resources, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of this region but also highlighting, in a unique way, the many businesses here,” said chamber executive director Aimee Senatore.

The Amazing Chase an amazing success - By Michelle Libby

Saturday, thirteen teams and many more volunteers spent the morning racing around the Sebago Lakes region in the first annual Amazing Chase sponsored by the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. 

The event was a spin off from The Amazing Race on CBS, where challengers in teams of two complete tasks to get to the checkpoint first. In The Amazing Chase, teams of four, compete in activities from singing songs and dancing to climbing a rock wall or fishing for an object at the bottom of the lake in Naples. Teams traveled from Gray to Naples and Limington to Windham to answer trivia and compete in challenges. 

“This was a fundraiser for the chamber. The money raised helps us so we can do the great works we do branding the region and putting the spotlight on the beautiful region we have here,” said Aimee Senator, executive director of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. 

“It was a huge logistical challenge. It was the first of its kind and had never been done before,” she said. SmartHunts, the company that ran the technology part of the race usually works with corporations and team building events. This was the first time they had run a race with the general public. 

The winning team, Sloth Ninjas, made up of Sarah Romac, Sandy Woznicki, Russ Boynton and Brooks Campana, won a stay and play package worth over $2,500 including tickets to the Maine Brew Fest, overnight accommodations at the Windham Microtel, kayaking for four from Sebago Trails Paddling Company, four 1-hour massages from Freedom Massage & Wellness and dinner for four at Franco’s Bistro. 

Second place went to Headlight AV, who was one of the major sponsors for the event. They won a movie under the starts with all the audio visual equipment donated by Headlight Audio Visual. They donated the prize back to the chamber to be raffled off at another time. 

Third place went to the Raymond Rockabillies who each won a leather messenger bag from Land Rover, another large sponsor, and Beats headphones donated by Headlight Audio Visual.

Other major sponsors were Sabre Yachats and Clark Insurance. 

One team was chauffeured around the region in a new Land Rover. They were one of the first teams to register and were entered into a drawing.  

“We literally ran so much,” said Sandy Woznicki, who had had just closed on a house and was moving out of her old place the same weekend as the race. “We’re going back to move more stuff tonight.” 

Another challenge for the event was to crowd fund for the chamber’s non-profit Feed the Need, which raises money to help the 13 food banks in the region. Any team who raised more than $200 earned an additional 500 points.

“The events attract more people and do better with a charitable component to it,” said Senatore. Nine of the thirteen teams raised $200 or more.  Clark Insurance’s team was the top fundraiser at $710. Gorham Savings Bank raised $400. Approximately $2,000 was raised for Feed the Need. The chamber brought in $7,000 to be used for its programs. “It was our goal to make sure the businesses get value in addition to the region as a whole,” Senatore said. 

Teams have already started planning their strategies for next year and plan to bring more competition.

“It was fun for people. We achieved our mission and people learned a lot of things about our region. It was an incredible and memorable day that we can't wait to take to the next level in 2017!” said Senatore.

Third place - Raymond Rockabillies

Second place team - Headlight AV

Team Clark

For more information on the race or to reserve your spot for next year, visit Amazing Chase Sebago Lakes Region on Facebook.