The 'Noog Amazing Race: Local spin on TV show is Christmas benefit

photo Josh and Heather Penny founded the Operation Secret Santa Facebook group, which is hosting the 'Noog Amazing Race on December 15 and 16. During the event, teams will find clues that lead them around downtown Chattanooga. Proceeds will help fulfill Christmas needs for local families.

IF YOU GO

• What: The 'Noog Amazing Race.• When: Noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.• Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St.• Entry: $40 per adult; no limit to team size, but must have at least two adults per team; one child free per each paid adult on team.• To register: www.noogamazingrace.org or on-site one hour before race time.

Have you watched "The Amazing Race" on television and thought, "I could do that"? Here's your chance.

Three race courses have been mapped out for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16, by Josh and Heather Penny, who run event planning company Penny Productions. All three are fundraisers for the Pennys' nonprofit, Operation Secret Santa, which will provide Christmas for several local families in need.

Just like on TV, teams of two or more will decipher clues that lead them to eight locations between Coolidge Park and AT&T Field. Each destination will be staffed with a volunteer to guarantee teams check in and don't skip a site, says Heather Penny.

All races will begin at Coolidge Park. Clues and race stops are different for each race. The three race choices are:

• Saturday, noon: Competitive Edition, an athletically challenging race.

• Saturday, 3 p.m.: Family Edition, comparable to a scavenger hunt so children can get involved.

• Sunday, 2 p.m.: Amazing Race for God, in which all clues use biblical references that must be interpreted to find the next race destination.

Mrs. Penny says entrants in any race must sign a waiver that states they are physically capable of completing a race and the competitor will not hold Penny Productions liable in case of injury.

The race coordinators say The 'Noog Amazing Race also will double as a fundraiser for participants. For every school or church team that registers, the Pennys will donate $5 back to the school or church the team represents.

Contact staff writer Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6284.

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