Early Registration is now open!

The Muskoka Trails Council is pleased to hosting Muskoka's Fourth Annual Amazing Race!

Taking place Saturday August 18th, 2012, this year promises new challenges, locations and plenty of fun! Please read below to learn more, including changes in fees and practises from previous years.

VOLUNTEER SPOTS and SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:
email: info@muskokatrailscouncil.com or phone: 905-714-4181

Event Details

On Saturday August 18th, 2012, up to 50 teams of two will race for glory, honour and awesome prizes across part of Muskoka. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Muskoka Trails Council, a non-profit, federally recognized charity that promotes trail useage and preservation as well as healthy community initiatives. 

Race Objective

Teams will traverse across part of Muskoka while completing challenges inspired by the popular television series. These challenges can require physical strength, endurance, intelligence and plenty of strategy. See below for examples of past races. 

Cost and Pledges

Cost: The cost of entry is $100 dollars per team of two to defray the cost of expenses.

Pledging: All teams must raise an additional $100 in pledges as a minimum to be eligible to compete on Saturday August 13th, 2011.

How to collect pledges?  

1) ONLINE PLEDGING
Pledges can be raised online through the "sponsor a team" ticket. You can send your family and/or friends this link and they can sponsor your team. Make sure to tell them your team's name (i.e.: Muskoka's Best Racers) so that we can add it to your list of pledges.

2) PRINTABLE PLEDGE FORM
You can also collect cash pledges through an Amazing Race Pledge Form that  we will e-mail to you after you register. 

(You can have a combination of online and cash pledges, so long as on race day your total is $100 or more.)

Why pledges instead of fees?
To make the race more accessible to individuals, the additional costs can be covered by personal fundraising. This also means more people are informed about the race and have a chance to take part.

$100 minimum? Where do the pledges go?
While one hundred dollars is the minimum, we encourage you to pledge more if you can. Any monies raised from the Amazing Race go towards supporting the programs and initiatives of the Muskoka Trails Council.

The funds raised from the Amazing Race are put to good use by helping the Muskoka Trails Council provide a comprehensive website, signage on trails, and to be the one-stop-shop for local trails information and support, create awareness, provide education and advocate Muskoka's trails. The funds go directly to the Muskoka Trails Council, where you are helping to develop a healthy community by providing Active Transportation routes that contribute to our economy, physical well-being and the environment.

The Muskoka Trails Council is a registered non-profit charity and we will provide electronic charitable receipts for donations above $20.

Plus, top fundraisers have been known to have it work in their favour...

Bike Fee?

Due to the high cost of providing bicycles for racers, this year's race may see a one-time, per-person fee to cover the cost of renting and transporting bicycles. Should this be implemented, all racers will be given the option to bring their own bicycles for the event and have the fee waived. 

Rules and Regulations

1.  All participants must pre-register and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $100 to compete ($50 per teammate).
2.  All teams must raise $100 minimum in pledges to compete (online with credit card, or cash with the printable pledge form that we will e-mail to you).
3.  Teams of two only, and both participants must be 18 years or older on the day of the race.
4.  Participants must have read and agreed to all rules and regulations prior to the event.
5.  Participants must be wearing Muskoka Trails Council Amazing Race identifier at all times (to be given out at Opening Ceremonies).
6.  During the event, participants must remain with their partners at all times unless specifically instructed otherwise. 
7.  Participants will not be able to proceed through the checkpoints until both team members have reached the checkpoint mat.
8.  Participants may only use the supplies provided on the day of the race.  Money, including debit and credit cards are prohibited.
9.  Cell phones and GPS systems are prohibited.
10. The use of personal vehicles is prohibited.
11. During the race, participants must follow instructions on clue cards exactly, or risk being disqualified.
12. Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of challenges can we expect?

In short, all kinds! Each race features a healthy mix of physical and mental challenges. Previous years have included: bike riding, canoeing, scavenger hunting, puzzles, trivia, packing beer, chopping wood, trail running, painting and more!

What is the difference between recreational and competitive divisions? Which should I choose?

This year we will be reintroducing the competitive and recreational division system. While Muskoka's Amazing Race is not a purely athletic event, it can be quite physically challenging. Those entering the recreational division can expect to be moving almost all day and to utilize a variety of modes of transportation to travel between challenges. Those in the competitive division will face everything the recreational racers will, and more.

If you regularly engage in sporting events or athletics, are physically active and are looking for a challenge, the competitive division is for you!

If you are older or less active, but are looking for a day of fun challenges, the recreational division is for you! 

Where is this year's Amazing Race taking place?

While the details of the race are being finalized, we will not be revealing any specifics. However, the race will (as always) be different from previous years.

What prize do the top fundraisers get?

The teams raising the most money have traditionally received special incentives. We will be releasing a detailed breakdown closer to the date, but teams can expect anything from prizes to fast forwards to improve their position in the race.

Where can I get more information?

Please feel free to contact Kevin McAvoy, the Regional Trails Coordinator for the Muskoka Trails Council for more information. By email, at info@muskokatrailscouncil.com or by phone, at (905) 714-4181.