For two days in June, 25 teams of two players will push themselves to the limits of mind, body and spirit in a race that past participants describe as “amazing,” for the 10th annual Southern Ontario Amazing Race (SOAR).
The event is a fundraiser for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
From June 7 to 9, as in previous years, the teams will begin at a yet-to-be-disclosed location and will be given tasks and adventures that will have them following a specified route, enduring unknown challenges for 48 hours of competition, similar to the Amazing Race reality television show.
“Mostly, it’s really fun. People get to do some things they’d never come across in the course of their regular lives,” said Matt Steffler, of Guelph, one of the founders of SOAR.
“And I’ve seen it countless times – we really do push a lot of our racers to a place they didn’t know they had. It’s not just doing a zipline 14 stories in the air, or solving a logic puzzle, or pushing through a crazy Crossfit routine, or posing nude for an artist to draw you, or eating crickets, or … It’s doing all of those things as fast as you can, in the space of two hours, and then six more things before the day is over.”
Since it began in 2004, SOAR has grown in popularity, but has been purposefully kept at 20 teams for manageability. Teams who have competed three times or won are considered retired and no longer eligible to return to the race.
In honour of the 10th anniversary, Steffler explained the decision was made to invite past players back, adding an “All-Stars” component to the competition.
“We decided to invite our Hall of Famers back, if they wanted to come,” said Steffler.
“We have seven All-Star teams racing this year, as well as 18 other teams.”
One of the all-star teams is two-time SOAR winners, and three-time competitors Michael Pinkney, of Belwood, and friend Jay Hahn, of Milton.
“We love every aspect of the race. It is amazing,” said Pinkney, who together with his childhood friend, has competed in numerous adventure races.
“It is very well organized. This is one of the more intricate races I’ve been a part of,” he adds. “You’re in for a surprise every time you go.”
Recalling some of his favourite memories, Pinkney said running out of money, asking for rides and assistance from strangers along the route, thunderstorms and torrential downpours, and the dreaded eating of mystery food.
“The worst thing I’ve had to eat was an egg that I was led to believe was bad,” he said, noting he learned later it had been steeped in tea.
Teamwork, Pinkney said, is essential and he considers Jay “an amazing partner.”
“We have a great dynamic together and we know each other’s strengths,” Pinkney said. “If he takes the lead, I shut up and listen, and vice versa.”
Steffler said bringing back experienced players added an exciting element.
“As it’s our all-star year, we’ve put a lot of time into bringing back elements from previous years, but in some new ways that should keep our seasoned racers on their toes,” said Steffler. “Racers can count on challenges throughout that will take them to their limits physically and mentally.”
Also returning to the race are Chris Williston, who lives near Brucedale in Guelph-Eramosa Township, and teammate Dave Kelly, of Guelph. They won the 2011 race and competed again in 2012.
Another local team known only as Jake, of Elora, and Rob of Rockwood, are a father and son team who won the 2010 top fundraising earning spot, with $14,000.
The goal of the event is ultimately to fundraise for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
Steffler explains the incentive for the all-stars to raise money hinges on their entry into the race, as well as their ability to finish it.
“Given that they had a great deal of experience, we handicapped them a little – they had to commit to raising $5,000 for the Children’s Foundation. By the rules of SOAR, the money that teams raise goes directly to “buying” help during the event itself – the ability to skip a challenge, slow down another team, etc,” said Steffler. “For the all-stars, their assist money starts at $5,001, where everyone else’s starts at $1.”
To date, Pinkney and Hahn have raised close to $3,000 by hosting several fundraising events, including an Easter Egg Hunt and a hydro spinning class. Currently, the team is offering in-home infant and child CPR classes for $250, (not for certification).
With just a month to go, the team is hoping the community will support their goal.
“It’s a fantastic foundation. They do a lot of things throughout our community,” said Pinkney. “I’m very optimistic.”
So is Steffler. “We want to raise $100,000 this year. The most we’ve ever raised in one year in the past has been $73,000, but we’ve done a few things differently this year,” he said, noting the winning team will receive a $5,000 travel voucher.
“I can’t say enough great things about the Children’s Foundation,” said Steffler. “In ten years, I’ve been able to watch (as a volunteer) while they grow and grow and grow, and help more and more kids. They are well-run, they have great employees, and they do really, really incredible things for the kids. Their programs are simple and it’s easy to see where the money goes and how it benefits local families.”
Pinkney agrees.
“It’s a fantastic cause and it helps a lot of local kids,” he said. “I highly recommend other people come out for this race. It’s a lot of fun, almost too much fun.”
To support Hahn and Pinkney, or any other area teams, visit www.therace.ca and look at the bios of the players. Donations are accepted online.
