SHAMOKIN - For anyone who has ever thought about competing in the Amazing Coal Cracker Race, organizer Peach Krebs said the timing is perfect this year.
"I've made the race more fun and challenging mentally for the competitors. It will be one of the best races ever," Krebs said.
The race, set for kickoff at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 2, will test competitors' dexterity, intelligence and the knowledge of the area in a cryptic tour of the Shamokin-Coal Township area, much like the popular reality game show, "The Amazing Race."
Krebs, of Paxinos, was a contestant on with her sister, Mary Lenig, in the show's second season.
For this year's edition, Krebs has not focused so much on the distance part of the race, but the challenges at every stop.
"This year, there are a lot more interactive pit stops and road blocks than running parts," she said.
The challenges will also be more related to the surroundings, or possibly related to a business that might have been located there previously.
"There are some teams that take the race very seriously and others do it for fun. We want to make it fun for everyone and let everyone compete," Krebs said.
The winning team will receive a $500 cash prize, sponsored by Peach and Company Salon.
The cost to enter the race is $20 per participant, and racers must be in a team from two to four people. The only rule is that no wheeled transportation can be used.
All money collected from entry fees will be donated to the Citizens for the Better Community Group, which will be holding their annual car cruise on the same day, and the annual Shamokin fireworks display on July 3.
"We can accommodate a total of 20 teams, but we need a minimum of 10 teams to be signed up and one member paid to secure their place by Thursday, June 30 , or the race will not be run.
Anyone interested in participating in the race, or becoming a volunteer, can stop at Peach and Company salon at 17 W. Sunbury St. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday or by calling 648-6171.
Everyone is invited to watch the start of the race at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Fireman's Memorial at Market and Independence streets.