Macquarie’s annual Amazing Race was once again dominated by fantastic staff participation last Thursday 31 March. Now in its third year, this exciting campus-wide event saw 31 teams solve puzzles, get creative, race between checkpoints and even have a go at cheerleading and Quidditch skills along the way.

Team ‘Welcome 1’ (from Campus Engagement) were the fastest finishing team in a hot time of 1.16:09. The award for Best Dressed Team was won by ‘Running with Scissors’ (from Campus Services) for the second year in a row for their fabulous evening wear attire (including high heels!). The prize for Most Points went to ‘The Gal Pals’ (from Sport and Recreation) and ‘The Rowdy Bunch’ (from the Swim School) took out Spirit of the Event.

Staff engagement was particularly high this year, with 58 per cent of registrations coming from the staff community, including many who hadn’t participated before.

“The level of staff support for this year’s event has been really impressive, particularly from professional departments and ‘first timers’,” said Cindy Hoad, General Manager of Sport and Recreation.

“It’s encouraging to see so many staff from across the campus using the Amazing Race as an opportunity for team building as well as for having fun and getting to know our fabulous campus a little bit better.”

While event organisation was coordinated from the Campus Life team, a big thank you is extended to all the areas around the University who provided venues and supported the challenges and check points. The Amazing Race was also assisted by Gregory Bayer, a student from the Faculty of Human Sciences who took on an event coordinator role as part of his PACE unit this session.

For staff who may be a little disappointed they missed out on this event, never fear – there are plans underway for another mass-participation campus event in Session 2.

Check out all the 2016 Amazing Race photos online