Good Life Institute Hosts the Race of Vermilion

The Vermilion Regional Centre served as the home base for the Good Life Institute’s annual Race of Vermilion, which ran this year on Saturday, March 16.

Fifteen teams of four participated in the race, which began at 11 a.m. with a bit of a slower start than the frenzied dash off the starting line seen in previous years. That said, the easy amble out of the gates belied teams’ enthusiasm, and soon flocks of racers were seen zipping around Vermilion, some in wild costumes.

Scaling the climbing wall at the Lakeland College gym, dressing a mannequin at the Vermilion Heritage Museum, folding pizza boxes at Express Pizza, and taking aim with the Vermilion River Archers at the Lt. Col W.C. Craig Armoury were just some of the challenges posed to race participants. Volunteers roamed the challenge sites, snapping pictures of the participants in action and sending them to the event’s organizer, Paige Jaremco, to be included in a video to be shown at the conclusion of the race.

Teams began trickling back into the Regional Centre as early as 3:30 p.m., although they had until 5 p.m. to complete as many of the challenges as possible. A friendly chatter amongst teams sharing tables filled the Regional Centre as they awaited the arrival of all participants. The reviews of the event were overwhelmingly positive, with racers gushing about the creativity of the clues, the friendliness of the businesses and organizations hosting challenges, and the overall quality of the event.

After tallying the scores, Jaremco showed the video highlighting moments throughout the day, with teams pointing themselves out and trying to recall where they did each challenge. Jaremco shared that only four of the teams were from Vermilion, with the rest based out of Wainwright, Marwayne, and Lloydminster. Participants came from as far away as Edmonton, Red Deer, and even Surrey, B.C.

Following the video, Jaremco announced the winners of the event. Vicious and Delicious, the 90s-clad team comprising Trudy Chilibeck-Maddex, Todd Maddex, Josh Anderson, and Candice Anderson came in first place, taking home four tickets to an Oilers game courtesy of Knights Spraying, Lakeland College swag, Town of Vermilion swag, and over $100 in gift cards. When asked for a quote, the winning team jokingly cited Charlie Sheen, saying, “The only thing I’m addicted to right now is winning. Just winning every second. Winning, anyone? Duh, winning!” The Free-Range Chickens won Best Dressed, and numerous other prizes were handed out, generously provided by the event’s sponsors.

The day concluded with a delicious turkey supper and a selection of tantalizing desserts courtesy of The Red Brick.

Jaremco reflected on the day, saying, “On behalf of the Good Life Institute and the Town of Vermilion, I would like to thank everyone who played a role in helping to make The Race of Vermilion happen. The race is truly one of the most amazing events that is hosted in the Town of Vermilion. Having over 80 people come to our town, and see our amazing businesses, non-profits, schools, etc. is truly something that I feel like everyone in this town needs to experience! We have over 80 volunteers who help to pull this day off! So many businesses and community venues come together to make this event come to life!!! I have never been more proud of our community then I am, seeing this event come to fruition. I am honored and so humbled by how everyone came together! We had over 20 sponsors with the prizes. Special thanks to Knight Spraying for donating the Oilers tickets, and everyone else who sponsored prizes! Everyone is exhausted, but so fulfilled! We are already brainstorming to make next year’s event even better!!! I hope to see more teams next year!”