Roughly based on The Amazing Race, which has been broadcast on local television, Grahamstown’s
Amazing Chase attracted twelve teams comprising 33 people eager to decipher clues in and around
the town.
Roughly based on The Amazing Race, which has been broadcast on local television, Grahamstown’s
Amazing Chase attracted twelve teams comprising 33 people eager to decipher clues in and around
the town.
“Contestants have to figure out clues about Grahamstown, its landmarks and history. It’s a fun
morning’s outing for the whole family and contestants are encouraged to walk or run the route rather
than to drive or cycle it”, said Sue Waugh, Makana Tourism’s Director.
This year the route comprising 18 clues, led teams to discover the grave of a soldier who fought at the
Battle of Waterloo, 3 carved mice in the Cathedral and the oldest bank in South Africa. Tasks along
the way included playing bowls, completing jigsaw puzzles and counting the bicycles in a popular
local sculpture.
The three teams that completed the Chase were ‘Road Runner’ (1st in the car category), ‘Shiloh and
the Bodyguards’ and ‘Twin Stars’ (1st and 2nd respectively in the walk/run category) who all won cash
prizes for their tremendous efforts.
A number of special prizes won by teams and individuals on the day, were very generously donated
by Omni Technologies, Mustek, Revelations Coffee Shop, The Spur, Wimpy, Grahamstown Electrical
Distributors, Hill Street Manor, The Mustard Seed, Cadar Printers, Brochure Management, Historic
Cottages, The Graham Hotel, Connocks Butchery, Albany Sports, PG Glass, Pick ‘n Pay, Casa
de Loco Restaurant and Tapas Bar, Whiteleys and Jenny Gopal Optometrists. And not forgetting
Videotronic who allowed Makana Tourism the use of its PA system for the morning.
Councillor Brian Jackson (DA) who opened the Chase and who later presided over the prizegiving
ceremony said that Grahamstown should be immensely proud of the sponsorship efforts of its local
business community and thanked the teams for their stirling performances in the 2012 Amazing
Chase.
He also thanked the members of Fingo Festival who had set up their sound system for an open
mic session on Church Square, for local musicians. The music contributed to the general fun and
excitement of the day.
The Victoria Girls High School students and members of Makana Tourism who ably assisted teams as
marshals; Makana Tourism committee members who obtained prize sponsors; The Farmer’s Market,
Bargain Books and the Grahamstown Bowling Club for organising and managing three of the tasks in
the Chase, were all especially thanked by Sue Waugh.
Plans for next year’s Amazing Chase are already underway. “Based on the feedback received from
this year’s Chase, the route will be slightly shorter with more physical activities and will be restricted to
walking and running only. I am looking forward to an even bigger Chase in 2013”, said Waugh.
