Not content with massive undertakings like marathons, triathlons or the friendship destroying, multi-leg brutality of Ragnar, the 20-somethings of today need to make a game out of everything. And thus the age of the aggressively obsessive scavenger hunt is upon us. And there is none more obsessive than Cotopaxi’s Questivals. The Utah-based gear company hosts its 24-hour events in cities around America. Six-member teams race to knock off as many challenges as they can with $6,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Marshall’s favorite challenge: reading a newspaper…at Newspaper Rock, a Southern Utah historical landmark covered in pioneer graffiti.
The fall Questival, dubbed Oktoberquest is Oct. 18-19. Registration is $30 for each team member. But, as Underwood points out, everyone gets a sweet Cotopaxi backpack. “It’s a no-brainer, even if you just show up on opening night, that’s like half off for a cool backpack.” Note: Marshall is a student. Deals and backpacks matter a lot.
These challenges—grouped in categories like “Do Good,” “Treasure Hunt,” “Fitness” and, our favorite, “Quirky”—are rated easy, medium and hard. Easy: “Donate your favorite children’s book to a local library.” Medium: “Shake hands with the mayor of any Utah city.” Hard: “Eat an entire 12-ounce can of wet cat or dog food. Time yourself.” Marshall Underwood, 22, the team captain of the “AmBadAssadors,” spent his last Questival exploring the national parks in Utah.
“Some teams play to win but for us it was motivation to see Utah. I’ve lived here my whole life and this was a great reason to explore the state.” His favorite challenge: reading a newspaper…at Newspaper Rock, a Southern Utah historical landmark covered in pioneer graffiti.
