What is the Most Amazing Race?

The Salvation Army’s Most Amazing Race is an annual scavenger-hunt/urban adventure-style race on a Saturday in the Fall, held in and around Pittsburgh, PA. Patterned after the CBS show “The Amazing Race,” this Most Amazing Race combines physical (kayaking, running, rock climbing) and mental challenges (acting, singing, dancing), which scatters teams of two all over Pittsburgh in an effort to win the grand prize—$5,000 cash! From the starting line, teams are given a clue leading them to another checkpoint and they must successfully complete challenges—following clues—until they reach the end of the race. The conclusion of the race involves a check presentation to the winning team as well as prizes to other top performing teams. Testimonials from the race... 2011 Final Race Results...

Entry Criteria & Details

• Teams must raise at least $250 to participate in the race. The more money raised for The Salvation Army, the better the starting position your team will have at the starting line.

• Last year we accepted only the TOP 50 FUNDRAISING TEAMS (over and beyond $250) to participate in the race. This year, we will announce how many teams we can accept.

• Only teams of 2 can participate in the race.

• Your team must register on this site and commit the funds by the deadline. Funds can be contributed online, by check or as cash.

• Your team must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the race.

• Your team must be in good physical health to participate in the race.

Race Challenges

Race challenges tests your physical and mental capability during a variety of tasks. Running and walking will be required at times get to different locations, if transportation is not completely available by the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Kayaking and rock climbing have been a part of the event for two years. A food eating challenge was included in last year's event.

Length of Course

In 2009, the total length of the race course was 18 miles. In 2010, the course was 13.5 miles. We will announce this information as it gets closer to the actual event. This represents the total amount distance the race covers, which can be completed by using various approved transportation modes as well as running and walking.

FAQ

• How do I register for the race?

  You can click on any of the registration buttons, which will lead you to an online registration process. An e-mail confirmation of your registration will be sent to you as well as Melissa Wagner at The Salvation Army. From there, you will receive any important information and updates regarding the race by e-mail.

• What is the entry fee for the race?

  Your team must commit at least $250 in funds in order to participate. You do not need to pay a “registration fee” for the race, but many people upon registration choose to make a donation to their team in order to get the fundraising started.  

• How does the fundraising process work?

  Once you complete the registration process, you will see prompts to create an individual and/or team page. You can upload photos and edit text to personalize your page(s). Then you can send e-mail to your friends, family and coworkers directing them to your personal page and asking them for donations.

• Will my donors receive a tax-deducible receipt for their donation?

  Yes. Any donation made online to The Salvation Army will receive an electronic tax receipt directly in their e-mail. This is immediate. All check and cash donations will also receive a tax receipt within a few days of receipt at our Divisional Headquarters office in Carnegie, PA.

• What benefits are there for fundraising raising more money than the minimum?

  Aside from the goodwill and impact your added donations will have to support The Salvation Army, your team will receive several advantages within the race, such as:
  

  • First, teams will be released from the start according to the amount of funds raised, with the highest fundraisers starting first and the lowest starting last.
  • Second, the top 5 fundraising teams will receive a "head start” at the beginning of the race.
  • Third, the top fundraising team—in addition to receiving the above “head start”—will receive a "Fast Forward" that will enable them to skip one challenge during the race as well as a valuable prize at the conclusion of the day.
  • Finally, it pays to raise the most funds for The Salvation Army!

• How many teams will be accepted for the race?

  In 2009, we accepted only 25 teams. In 2010, we accepted a maximum of 50 teams. This year, the maximum amount of teams accepted is TBD, but it will likely be more than 50 teams. We will, however, announce this information months prior to the race.

• How many challenges will be a part of the race?

  We estimate about 12 – 15 challenges.

• How much time will it take to complete this year’s race?

  That depends on your team’s ability to successfully complete challenges! Typically, we estimate 5 – 6 hours including a concluding ceremony and party.

• Will there be any team eliminations as in the TV show?

  Yes. There will be timed eliminations throughout the race, which means if your team has not reached a certain challenge location or completed a certain task by the time indicated on your clue, your team will be eliminated. This is due to certain constraints we may have while using public or private space (i.e., restaurants, retail locations).

• Is this race a physical or mental test of ability?

  Both! This event incorporates physical skill elements, such as running, kayaking, rock climbing, combined with creative and/or mental skills, such as singing, dancing, puzzle solving, fact finding or eating strange foods. In addition, we will incorporate features of The Salvation Army, which will educate you on what we do in the community.

• What kind of training would you suggest to increase my team's chances?

  Due to “mystery” of race challenges, training for this race is unlike any other.  But since this race focuses on fun, so should your training.  Here are some tips:
  

  • Since this race is completed in teams of two, you should consider training with your partner.
  • Take long walks or runs with your teammate to build up your physical condition. If you have ever completed a 5K competition, this is a good marker of your stamina. 
  • Much of this race is also completed on mass transit (Port Authority of Allegheny County), so familiarizing yourself with bus schedules and how the system works is wise.  
  • This race requires teams to work together to problem solve, so work together on all types of puzzles—but be sure to raise the pressure level by using a clock and establishing time limits since this is what will happen in the race.

• What type of clothing would you suggest for race day?

  Check the weather first so you can adjust to what would be appropriate and comfortable for race day. A definite must is comfortable running shoes and workout apparel (shorts, sports tops, possibly a light jacket).

• I've heard a lot of talk about this race being fun.  How can a race be "fun"?

  This race is unique. It’s not a marathon, relay match, or just your average scavenger hunt. As much as possible, we try to format the race to the TV show “The Amazing Race” where challenges are varied and teamwork is essential to be successful. We aim to incorporate elements of our beautiful city (Pittsburgh) and The Salvation Army for a fun and unique experience—while raising much-needed funds for children and youth.

• How difficult is this race to complete?

  Some challenges for some teams are a breeze to complete; but others are far more challenging. That’s why it takes teamwork to be successful. It requires physical and mental skill.