Melody Vaughn and her three teammates wore brightly colored yellow capes, fake mustaches and goggles Saturday morning.

The team was one of 49 teams that participated in an adventure race in Warsaw and Winona Lake to raise funds for local charities. Vaughn, 24, Winona Lake, said she and her teammates found out about the race online and decided to compete and enter into the wackiest costume contest.

Their team won the wackiest costume competition and called themselves "Team Hot Rod" after the movie "Hot Rod." Vaughn said she is training for a marathon she will participate in Chicago in October and was excited to be in the adventure race. "I hope people see this event as an outreach to our community, and I was willing to pay the entry fee because I knew it was going back into our community," Vaughn said.

Participants paid a registration fee. There was $3,500 raised that will benefit 2nd Mile Missions, World Compassion Network, Combined Community Services, Kosciusko Bikers Association, Our Father's House and the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Participants arrived at the Kosciusko County Community Fairgrounds as early as 6 a.m. Saturday to look at maps and strategize how they would complete the adventure race.

Participants received a map that had mandatory and optional points they had to reach. They also had a passport they got punched at the sites.

The race was similar to the show "Amazing Race" where participants navigated to complete tasks with a map and compass. Participants had four hours to reach locations on a map by running, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and orienteering. Matt and Micah Metzger hosted the adventure race to raise funds for local organizations that help those in need. Matt said he thought the race was a success.

"The race went smoothly and participants were smiling during the race even if they were cramping up," Matt said. Micah said he was pleased with the participation and funds raised for local charities. "It seemed people had a good time and we have received a lot of positive feedback," Micah said.

The brothers are directors of Metzger Outdoors, Silver Lake, and employees of Metzger Trucking. Metzger Outdoors is a promoter of race events in Kosciusko County. Teams came from as far as Nashville, Tenn., and cities and states such as South Bend, Chicago and Michigan. Participants were broken down into four categories: men, women, co-ed and family teams.

The top two finishers in each category received trophies.

McAdventurers placed first in the family team; Left Behind placed first in the male team; Team Hot Rod placed first in the female team; and Pain Locker placed first in the co-ed team.