Grab a friend and prepare yourself for the 8th Annual Great Williamsburg Adventure Race! Teams will race throughout the city, completing unique challenges, decoding puzzles, and solving riddles, in a quest for fabulous prizes and ultimate glory.
The event requires a ticket for all participants and all teams must register in advance. Teams consist of either 2 or 4 players, and the cost is $15 per person. Current W&M students can race for free, courtesy of the City of Williamsburg. Registration is now available via Eventbrite.
Are you part of a City of Williamsburg business or organization interested in hosting a Challenge Station for the 2022 event? Please get in touch via email.
WHEN & WHERE
The race will start at the Williamsburg Community Building located at 401 N. Boundary Street.
The race takes place on Sunday, September 25 with key events at the following times:
12:30 PM – Check-in opens, pick up of team race materials
1:45 PM – Pre-race briefing, final reminders on rules
2:00 PM – Race start for all teams
5:00 PM – Race end (teams may finish before 5:00 PM)
Teams must cross the finish line with final materials no later than 5:00 PM to be eligible for the grand prize.
The award ceremony will take place at the the finish line shortly after 5:00 PM. The winning teams and answers to race puzzles will be announced during the ceremony. Here are the full race rules (last updated 9/1/22).
TICKETING
Tickets are now available via Eventbrite. When registering, players book tickets for a complete team (2 people or 4 people). Teams consisting entirely of current W&M students may register for free. Teams including both students and non-students should email event organizers for instructions on how to register for a partial discount.
FAQ
TICKETS
How do I register my team?
Tickets are sold through Eventbrite at this link. Tickets are free for W&M student teams and cost either $30 (2 person team) or $60 (4 person team) for non-student teams.
How do I register a team with both a W&M student and a non-student?
Please email us at team@theAVAdventure.com for instructions on how to register a team that includes both students and non-students.
I am a W&M faculty or staff member. Can I get a free ticket?
No. Only students currently enrolled at W&M are eligible for a free ticket.
What is the inclement weather policy?
The race will take place rain or shine. If extreme weather renders the event unsafe for participants (including heavy storms or thunder and lightning) the race may be canceled or rescheduled. In the event of cancelation, no refunds will be issued. Announcements will be made via email and social media posts.
PARTICIPANTS
Is the event family friendly? Who can participate?
The event is family friendly, and anyone may participate. All participants are required to register as members of a team. Teams consist of two or four people. Please note completing the race includes lots of travel on foot and puzzles that may be too difficult for younger children. Children not participating in the race may not accompany a race team.
Do I need to be in shape to participate?
No. The Adventure Race is designed for all ages and ability levels. You can decide how fast or slow you go from challenge to challenge. Participants will travel approximately 3 miles on foot if covering the full race course during the event. Teams that travel quickly from station to station and most efficiently utilize their time will be more likely to win the grand prize.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Teams will be going in and out of businesses and many do not allow dogs inside so please leave pets at home.
PREPARING TO RACE
Do I need to pick up a race packet to start the event?
No. There will be a pre-race briefing at 1:45 PM and the race will start promptly at 2:00PM on September 25. Check-in opens at 12:30PM and teams are strongly encouraged to arrive early enough to check-in before the pre-race briefing. Teams must turn in a signed Event Waiver (PDF) for reach player prior to checking in and receiving race materials. Check-in and the pre-race briefing will take place at the Community Building at 401 N Boundary Street.
Do I need a smartphone or computer to compete?
No, though smartphones are allowed on the race, and may prove helpful in navigating the city and solving puzzles.
Where should I park?
There is no designated parking lot for the race. There is street parking in downtown Williamsburg (be sure to check if there is a time limit). There is also a parking garage at 230 N. Henry Street.
COMPLETING (AND WINNING!) THE RACE
How do teams win or earn points?
Points are earned based on the number of challenges completed and puzzles answered correctly. In the event of a tie, the teams’ race completion times will serve as a tiebreaker. Points will only be awarded for materials that are turned in by 5:00 PM.
What kinds of challenges are in the race?
The race includes Challenge Stations and puzzles. The Challenge Stations feature unique activities one or more of the team members will need to complete to earn points. Puzzle challenges are provided at the start of the race, and puzzle answers should be submitted with final materials upon completion of the race.
What should I bring to the race?
Teams are encouraged to bring signed, physical copies of the Event Waiver for all team members to expedite the check-in process. You may use smartphones during the event; however, smartphones will not be critical or provide a significant advantage to completing the race for those familiar with the Williamsburg area. Everyone is encouraged to bring water and snacks to keep players going strong during the event.
What should I wear to the race?
We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes. Some challenges may have participants completing physical tasks, navigating obstacles, or moving around. Wear clothes that you can comfortably be active in.
Do I need to wear a race bib?
Yes. Your race bib is your ticket to enter the race and participate in challenges. Race bibs will be distributed at check-in.
Where does the race take place?
The race begins at the Community Building, 401 N Boundary Street and takes place in the surrounding areas. Teams will discover the location of the finish line in their race materials. At 5:00 PM the puzzle answers will be revealed and prizes awarded.
What prizes are awarded to the winners?
The top three teams will receive trophies during the award ceremony. The first place team will also receive a prize pack full of merchandise and exclusive giveaways from race sponsors.
CONTACT
Where can I contact the organizer with any additional questions?
Feel free to get in touch with the organizers via email. The Great Williamsburg Adventure Race is produced by AVAdventure Productions.
