Chillicothe Challenge returns

CHILLICOTHE – Teams will be seen dashing through the streets between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, as the Chillicothe Challenge returns for its second year.

The event will have downtown businesses serving as checkpoints in a “scavenger hunt mixed with ‘Amazing Race’ like tasks,” organizers said.

“One of the things we’re looking forward to is Bubble Soccer, but there is also a three-man slingshot challenge and two other events at the pool,” said Brad Strauch, Young Life spokesman.

Challenges will take place in various areas of the city, such as Yoctangee Park, downtown Chillicothe and Story Place, and will include activities such as Bubble Soccer.

Twenty-six downtown businesses are serving as checkpoints with their own challenges for participants throughout the day.

“There will also be 20 other little riddles and things for people to get pictures of with their team,” Strauch said.

Teams will face 55 challenges to complete in three hours. Each challenge will have different point values assigned to it, which will determine the winners.

The Challenge will be divided into two divisions: one for “teams” of consisting of two people and one for “families,” or groups of six or more.

Fees for teams of two will be $70. Groups in the “family” division can have up to six members for a fee of $100 but must have at least one member age 12 or younger.

Young Life of Ross County and the Chillicothe Visitors Bureau have joined together to bring back the event, which raises funds for Young Life and for a scholarship that allows high school students to attend a summer camp.

Young Life, a worldwide Christian outreach organization for teenagers, has been at work with high school kids in Ohio for more than 40 years. The Challenge is an opportunity to use brains and skill to solve riddles and puzzles while adventuring in downtown Chillicothe, according to the Young Life website.

A post-race meal included in registration fee and prizes will be awarded to the top teams in each of the divisions. Teams can register online or in person the morning of the Challenge.

If you go

• What: Chillicothe Challenge

• When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

• Where: Starting point is the Majestic Theatre Courtyard

• FYI: Register at www.rosscounty.younglife.org, by emailing chillicothechallenge@gmail.com, by calling 740-637-0815, or on-site beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday