Peoria Area Amazing Race

Peoria Area Amazing Race

Lincoln Amazing Race

The 3rd Annual Peoria Area Amazing Race took place on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The race is designed to show off some of the great attractions and accommodations our area has to offer, while educating the community on tourism trends. This year marks Lincoln's bicentennial so the race was planned with a Lincoln theme. Congratulations to Eric Obalil and Lauren Obalil - The Community Team for winning the 2009 Peoria Area Amazing Race!

The 2009 3rd Annual Peoria Area Amazing Race was a huge success! Watch Part 1 Right Here!

What is the Peoria Area Amazing Race?

The Peoria Area Amazing Race is loosely based on the popular reality television show, The Amazing Race. The television shows feature teams of two as they race to complete tasks and challenges at various destinations around the world. In our version, the teams will travel to various destinations within the Bureau's eight counties. The goal is to arrive first at each stop along the Race and at the finish line. Contestants will travel to different locations within the surrounding counties by car to receive their clues. Clues to the next location will be given at each stop, but not before a task is completed by one of the team members. Each task showcases tourist attractions, accommodations, or the geographic region through mental and physical challenges. This fast-paced adventure will uncover some of Peoria area's fine attractions and natural qualities, while promoting National Tourism Week in America.

The 2009 Teams:

1st Place Orange Team: winners amazing race

Eric Obalil - Originally from Morrison, IL, Eric graduated from Bradley University in 2004.
Eric began working with the Peoria Chiefs in 2005 and currently serves as the team's
Senior Director of Ticket Sales.

Lauren Obalil- Lauren is a native of Washington, IL and a 2005 graduate of Bradley University. She has worked for the Children's Hospital of Illinois in fundraising and event planning since 2004 and is currently the Annual Fund Director for the Children's Hospital and OSF St. Francis Foundation.

2nd Place Green Team:

Jamie Markley-Jamie started in Radio in 1986 on a country station in the Quad Cities. Markley returned home in 2000 and has worked for a series of stations, once he even went by the name of "Jack Austin" at WXCL. He started at WMBD in August of 2004 and currently can be heard with his partner Phil Luciano, on 1470AM weekdays from 3-6pm.

Phil Luciano - Phil Luciano is co-host with Jamie Markley on WMBD-AM 1470, Drive-time news/talk show. Phil also writes a daily general-interest column, Sunday pieces and critical reviews. Phil teaches courses at Bradley University, Robert Morris College and Midstate College; and coordinates publicity and raises funds for Friends of the Children of Haiti.

3rd Place Red Team:

Angelica Alvarez- Originally from Florida, Angelica started her news career when she was 14 years old, as an anchor for her high school's morning news. Angelica has been with WMBD since September 2007. Currently she can be seen co-anchoring WMBD 31 This Morning and the News at Noon .

Jeff Muniz- Jeff grew up in Collinsville, IL, where he started his career as a high schooler covering Friday night football and basketball as a radio reporter for WRYT- AM in Edwardsville, IL. Jeff joined the News 25 Team in June 2001 as a producer, but more recently as an on-air reporter and weekend co-anchor.

4th Place Blue Team:

Julie Hubbard - Julie, originally from Chicago, owns Julie's Corner Store on Lacon's main street which is filled with sweet treats and unique items. Julie is also in her 2nd Term as Lacon's Chamber of Commerce President.

Lynn Shurts - Lynn just joined us as the Tourism Coordinator for Bureau County. Lynn has lived in the Princeton area for many years and also works as a real estate agent for Century 21 Covered Bridge Realty.