Manual
2026 Amazing Race: United for Change
Oconee County, SC
Date of Event: 10/31/26
* Previous winners are not eligible to register. Individuals who were previously or are currently affiliated with the event’s planning committee, as well as members of their household, may not compete.
**All racers must complete a waiver at packet pick-up on race day and provide it to the starting crew before beginning the race.
OVERVIEW
What is the inspiration behind the Amazing Race: United for Change?
This event is based on ideas from the hit CBS reality television show, The Amazing Race.
How does the race work?
Teams of two begin at a starting point, where they receive their first challenge. Upon completing that challenge, they receive a clue for where to drive next. At each subsequent stop, a member of the team (unless noted for both) must complete a challenge to receive another clue. Once all stops have been located and challenges completed, team members race back to the finish.
Who can participate?
You do not have to be an Oconee resident. You must be 18 or older to participate in United Way of Oconee's Amazing Race: UNITED for Change. This event includes physical and mental challenges that both team members must be able to complete. To uphold the integrity of the race, no exceptions or accommodations to challenges are permitted. At least one team member must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and transportation, as the race requires driving between stops. Previous winners are not eligible to register. Individuals who were previously or are currently affiliated with the event's planning committee, as well as members of their household, may not compete.
RACE RULES
Teams that disobey rules will be disqualified. Teams must obey all laws, including all traffic rules. Teams will be given an emergency contact but must use this for emergencies only and not for reporting other teams. Teams are allowed to use their phones during the race but may not contact anyone associated with the race for help.
PRE-RACE PACKET DISTRIBUTION
Packets will be distributed at the starting point (United Way of Oconee County, 4 Leas Courtyard Dr., Seneca) from 7:45 am to 8:15 am. Teams must report to the Registration table to retrieve their packet. The packets include: 2 bibs, 2 event shirts, and 2 swag bags. A light breakfast will also be served at this time. Nearby restrooms may be utilized to change into event shirts before the start, if teams would like to wear their shirts during the event. Participants are welcome to wear team costumes!
EMERGENCY PLAN
The organizers are in contact with the city and county governments to provide a safe and enjoyable race experience. In case of emergency, call 911.
MEDICAL SERVICES: Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital is less than 5 minutes away from the starting location. Prisma personnel will be on alert that we are hosting an event.
POLICE / SHERIFF: The organizers have coordinated with city police departments and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
SAFETY: Teams must obey all road rules, crosswalks, and traffic signals. Teams must park legally at each stop. Teams must display their 2026 Amazing Race: United for Change hangtag in their car for the duration of the race. If a team is caught by a volunteer or stopped by law enforcement for any reason during the race, that team is immediately disqualified.
FIRE: The Seneca Fire Department has a station close to registration. Multiple fire stations around the county can be utilized. They will be on alert that we are hosting an event. The department is staffed with paramedics.
RACER INJURY / EMERGENCY: All racers have been asked to provide their contact information and an emergency contact in their registration.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION: If any challenge station experiences an emergency or must be evacuated, organizers will direct that the station be skipped, and an alternate route will be devised. Please ensure the organizers have accurate contact information for your team.
MEDIA
Staff and volunteers will be photographing challenges throughout the race. Pictures and video footage captured during the race will be shared on United Way of Oconee County’s social media pages and may be used in future marketing materials.
VOLUNTEERS
The Amazing Race: United for Change requires trained staff and volunteers to run all the events and logistics. Volunteers will oversee their assigned stations. They are only trained on their station. Volunteers have no knowledge of the racecourse other than the stop where they are working and cannot help with clues or challenges.
CHALLENGE STATIONS
Both team members must be present at each stop check-in. Upon arrival at a stop, teams will receive their activity clue at the volunteer tent. The Amazing Race: United for Change participants must have ONE member of their team complete the challenge presented at each station (unless otherwise directed). Once a team member has been identified to complete the task at a specified stop, that member must complete the task before moving on to the next stop (no switching out once the challenge is started). The task must be completed and verified by the assigned volunteer. Teams will then get their "passport books" stamped and will receive a clue to the next destination. If the team is unsuccessful in completing the task accurately, they are allowed to continue working on the task assigned. However, there is a 60-minute time limit for each stop. If your team is unable to complete the task in the 60-minute timeframe, your team is automatically eliminated. Teams will be kept in the order of arrival, but remember that complete teams (both members) must be present before being recognized as arriving. All challenges must be set up and staffed at least 1 hour prior to expected team arrivals.
FAST FORWARDS: A Fast Forward pass allows your team to skip one challenge. These passes can only be used at certain stops. If teams have purchased a Fast Forward (limit of 1 per team), they must give their pass to the volunteers PRIOR to attempting the challenge. You can purchase your team's Fast Forward pass when you register by adding $25 to your total. We will also be selling Fast Forwards the morning of the race at packet pick-up for teams who have not yet purchased one.
U-TURNS: These are special passes located at some stops. Upon drawing a U-Turn, the team member who did not attempt the challenge must go back and complete it. This pass applies even if the team has used a Fast Forward at the stop.
FINISH LINE FESTIVAL
The Finish Line Festival is the main gathering spot for the race. This is when the prize presentation will occur. Friends and family of participants are welcome to join! Additional information about the Finish Line Festival will be distributed closer to the event date.
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