Teams race to the finish for a cash prize

The Village of Rockville Centre was buzzing with anticipation as teams gathered for the Lions Club’s fourth annual Amazing Race. The event, formerly known as the Walking Rally, had quickly become the club’s biggest fundraising effort, drawing participants of all ages eager to compete for a cash prize.

Inspired by the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run,” starring Burt Reynolds and Dom Deluise, the event took on a new form in recent years, becoming a local take on the hit CBS reality show “The Amazing Race.” On Saturday morning, competitors arrived at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, signed up in teams of two or more, and prepared to solve puzzles and search for clues scattered across the village’s businesses and landmarks.

Michelle Sewell, the driving force behind the event, reflected on how much it had grown since she first introduced the competition to members of the Lion’s Club four years ago.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together,” she said. “It’s something for all ages, as you can see.” Sewell’s passion for the race was clear as she explained how the event had expanded, now drawing more than 100 competitors.

The charitable aspect of the race added to its significance. This year, a portion of the proceeds would go to the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, which supports women in the community diagnosed with breast cancer. The cause, combined with the excitement of the race, motivated participants to give it their all.

As the race began, teams set off in different directions, heading toward local landmarks and businesses. Each stop presented new challenges, from brain-teasing puzzles to physical activities, testing not just speed but strategy and teamwork. “We have teams of two to four people that go around and they look for clues or participate in activities, and the team that gets the most correct answers in the least amount of time wins,” Sewell explained.

The event also shone a spotlight on the village’s small businesses. “It’s a great way to show Rockville Centre in all its glory, also a great way to show support for our merchants,” Sewell said. Teams raced past shops and eateries, making stops at places like ParmaMarket, Associated Supermarket, Polka Dot Pound Cake, The New York Musician’s Center, Rockville Camera, The Storage Post, Professional Physical Therapy, Centre Station and Maple Lanes. The race wasn’t just about competing—it was about engaging with the village’s heart and supporting local commerce.

The course spanned Long Beach Road, Maple Avenue, and N. Park Avenue, ending near the central business district on Sunrise Highway. As the day wore on, participants grew tired but exhilarated, pushing toward the finish line with a sense of accomplishment.

This year’s Amazing Race saw two teams cross the finish line victorious. Julia and Michael Murphy claimed victory on “Course A,” while the Price family triumphed on “Course B.” Following the race, all contestants were treated to a buffet lunch at Centre Station, giving everyone a chance to relax and celebrate the day’s achievements.

While there were winners, the true triumph of the event lay in the unity and joy it fostered. Once again, Rockville Centre’s community spirit was strengthened, thanks to the dedication of Michelle Sewell and the Lions Club. Another successful Amazing Race was in the books, and the village buzzed with pride and excitement, already looking forward to next year’s event.