Beaches of 59 are at it again. Sign up for a fun day of adventure before spots are all filled
This is the fourth year that the Beaches of 59 are hosting their Amazing Race event and they are inviting residents to sign up for the Aug. 9 event. Like the TV show, this event is a challenge, but unlike the show, it happens in our own community and is a great fun way to explore our local area and spend a Saturday afternoon with your family or friends.
“Participants travel around the region by car and by foot and compete at challenges throughout the area. The challenges are both mental and physical, so you don’t know what the challenge is going to be or what the route is going to be beforehand. You have to complete the challenge in order to get a clue and move on to the next one. And so, it takes around three to five hours, depending on how fast you go, or you know, if you’re trying to get first place, obviously you’re going as fast as possible,” explained Aurora Debreuil, Marketing Coordinator for Beaches of 59.
She said that the challenges will really range, and the website indicates that there is a possibility of canoeing, kayaking, and biking.
“Some are kind of a take on a challenge you might know, such as, say, a potato toss, or, you know, a puzzle challenge, or a word scramble, or a trivia question, but we always try to make them a little different, and usually we try to connect them to the area somehow,” she said.
The area of the competition covers Patricia Beach all the way to Victoria Beach, and though they reveal the starting and ending locations before the competition, so that friends and family can cheer racers on, the destination of the challenges is kept secret.
“Last year, we started in Gull Lake, and then folks weaved their way up to Hillside Beach, which was the finish. So, that gives you a range of how much area we cover. This year we will have a different start place and a different finish,” she said.
Debreuil said that they are aiming to have 17 checkpoints, but that stops might have multiple challenges, so be ready for anything.
For those that want to sign up, the challenge is for teams of four. Each team member must be at least 13 years old by the day of the event to participate without an adult on their team. One licensed driver is needed per team. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult on their team and they ask that all young racers be a minimum of 10 years old by race day to participate.
“You compete in teams of four. The teams, we’ve seen folks out who are grandparents with grandkids. We’ve had school friends make a team. We’ve had parents and kids make a team. Really, the age range is quite (large). It’s really nice to see the different teams that show up. Some people, they really want to win first place, and they are going for it. And then other folks are just taking it as an opportunity to have a fun day outside, hang out together, enjoy a fun event, and possibly win some fun prizes,” said Debreuil.
She attributes the success of this event over the past three years to the fact that the community has really rallied around it.
“It’s really awesome to see. We have so many local businesses that put their name forward or reach out, saying we’d be happy to host a challenge spot or they’d be happy to provide some prizes or sponsor the event, and people really just love seeing the event happen,” said Debreuil.
The cost of participation in this event is $120 a team, and that comes with t-shirts for everyone as well as snacks and drinks at the finish line.
Debreuil’s top tips for competitors are to try not to use all your energy right away.
“I would say pace yourself, similar to a marathon. I would say that people, of course, are so excited at the start, and they usually just book it, and then, as the day goes on, it might get a bit harder by the end,” she said.
Additionally, competitors may find it useful to bring pens and paper. They should plan to dress for the weather, which includes bringing bug spray and sunblock if needed. Also make sure to have good running shoes and bring water and snacks in your car to replenish yourself between stops.
Debreuil welcomes anyone interested to check out the sign-up and informational website and consider registering for a day of fun.
“I think just try it out. If you maybe aren’t super athletic. Don’t worry, you can take those challenges a bit slower. There will be something in there for everyone that they’re good at. So, whether you’re good at maybe puzzles or word challenges, or you’re good at navigating, there will be something for everyone. Definitely don’t be intimidated. Try it out. You’ll meet a lot of great people and it’s just a really fun day to be outside,” she said.
Further details, including specific sign-up requirements, FAQs, as well as sign-up information, is available online at the Beaches of 59 website at www.beachesof59.ca/2025amazingrace.
