More than a dozen teams competed in the first-ever "Amazing Lehighton Race" last weekend, racing through the streets of Lehighton and completing challenges to win prizes and raise funds for the town's downtown revitalization.

The "Amazing Race" theme was based on the reality television show by the same name. On the reality show, competitors race across the globe following clues and tackling challenges.The event was coordinated by Todd Zimmerman. Zimmerman has held "mini-races" for family and friends, leading them around his own backyard, and has been a fan of the race concept since it first aired. He first proposed holding an "Amazing Lehighton Race" over the Fourth of July weekend, but had to reschedule because many people were busy over the holiday.As Sunday's event drew near, out-of-town competitors began researching Lehighton's history and touring the town. While many team members were from Lehighton, others came from near and far to support the downtown initiative and have fun."We thought it would be a fun way to help raise money," said Amy Purcille of Minersville, who took part in the race with her friend Michelle Hashin. "It's such a pretty area, and I thought it would be fun to get out of our area and explore this town."Much like the reality show, contestants were sent on a race through town in search of clues, historical landmarks, and physical and mental challenges. The prize? Cash awards of $1,000, $250, and $100 for first through third place.They raced through Mallard's Market, searched for the Gnaden Huetten memorial, and devoured pierogies at Castle Grill - not an easy task after all that running. Participants were also treated to a short oral history of Franz Kline at Kline's original house on Ninth Street, courtesy of "Mrs. Kline," played by Kathy Long.@Quote.News:"I just wish I could have raced in this myself. I would really enjoy doing this."@Quote.Byline1:TODD ZIMMERMAN@Quote.Byline2:COORDINATOR@Quote.News:When a clue stumped them, contestants could ask a nearby pedestrian or go into a local business for help, but they were otherwise on their own as they ran through town from landmark to landmark."I just wish I could have raced in this myself," said Zimmerman, who planned this year's course. "I would really enjoy doing this." He is already thinking ahead to next year, and hopes to hold the race again - on a larger scale - in 2011.All proceeds from the event benefited the Lehighton Industrial Development Committee."We are trying to improve downtown Lehighton, to make it more conducive to businesses, and to make it look nicer," said Zimmerman. LIDC is preparing to apply for the Pennsylvania Main Street or Elm Street program, which offers communities a matching grant over five years to improve Pennsylvania business districts, including downtown areas. The group must raise $5,000 to participate in the first year of the program and to receive $45,000 in grant funds."We're trying to raise money for our down payment in this program," he added.Sponsors for the event included Marzen Feed and Hardware, Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Liberty Oil Company, Castle Grill, Secure Technologies, Boulevard Drive-In, Gene Durigan Real Estate, Hampton Inn Lehighton, Andreas Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, and First National Pharmacy.