Grab a friend and prepare yourself for the 11th 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 2, 3, or 4 players, and the cost is $20 per person. Current W&M students and their families can race for free, courtesy of the City of Williamsburg.Registration is now available.
Are you part of a City of Williamsburg business or organization interested in hosting a Challenge Station for the 2026 event? Please get in touch via email.
WHEN & WHERE
The race will start in the W&M Sunken Gardens near the Wren Building. Parking info is available below in the FAQs.
The race takes place on Saturday, September 19 with key events at the following times:
10:15 AM – Check-in opens, teams pick up race materials
10:50 AM – Pre-race briefing, final reminders on rules
11:00 AM – Race start for all teams
1:00 PM – Race end (teams may finish before 1:00 PM)
Teams must cross the finish line with final materials no later than 1:00 PM to be eligible for the grand prize.
The award ceremony will take place at the finish line shortly after 1:00 PM. The winning teams and answers to race puzzles will be announced during the ceremony. Here are the full race rules (last updated 8/17/26).
TICKETING
Tickets are now available via Ticketsauce.When registering, players book tickets for a complete team (2, 3, or 4 people). Teams with at least one current W&M student may register for free. W&M students must present a valid W&M student ID at check-in to claim free admission.
Tickets are sold through Ticketsauce at this link. Tickets are free for teams with at least one current W&M student and cost $20 per person for general admission.
I am a W&M faculty or staff member. Can I get a free ticket?
No. Only students currently enrolled at W&M and their Family Weekend guests 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 (including heavy storms or thunder and lightning) the race may be canceled. 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! 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?
Participants need to be capable of moderate physical activity to participate. The Adventure Race is designed for all ages and ability levels. Be aware that participants will travel approximately 2 miles on foot if they cover the full race course. All activities are optional. Teams that travel quickly between stations are 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 before the event?
No. There will be a pre-race briefing at 10:50 AM and the race will start promptly at 11:00 AM on September 19. Check-in opens at 10:15 AM and teams are strongly encouraged to arrive early enough to check-in before the pre-race briefing. Check-in and the pre-race briefing will take place in the W&M Sunken Gardens near the Wren Building.
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.
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. All challenges and puzzles are optional. 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 1:00 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?
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 11:00 AM and takes place throughout the City of Williamsburg. Teams will finish the race at the same place it started, in the W&M Sunken Gardens near the Wren Building. At 1:00 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. Any team that turns in their race materials will be entered in a raffle for $100 cash.
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.
