Grand Rapids ArtPrize partners up with the Amazing Race

ArtPrize will pair up with the Amazing Race for the sixth annual Michigan Adventure Race: ArtPrize Edition on October 8th. 

Organizers say the race will weave through the massively popular ArtPrize festival and will feature mental and physical challenges related to the art exhibits and venues.

Sources believe ArtPrize Edition is the only sporting event that blends a major art festival into its race course.

Teams of two will take off from Ah-Nab-Awen Park, located downtown, and hustle to four checkpoints on a map that is kept a secret until the race begins.

The racers will have four hours to collect as many points as possible. 

“We’re excited that ArtPrize endorses this race as part of its social experiment. It’s a great way to expose people to out-of-the-way exhibits as well as to the electric atmosphere of the downtown venues. Racers love getting in a great workout, experiencing a fun and challenging race with an Amazing Race feel, and seeing a good deal of ArtPrize all at the same time,” says Mark VanTongeren, race director .

According to race organizers, past challenges have included riddles and word puzzles related to art exhibits, a Pictionary-like challenge where one teammate had to draw a piece of art, and a giant egg launch.

All proceeds will benefit the Purple Community to support biomedical research in the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases at the Van Andel Institute.

For more information about the race, click here.