Seven teams – including one late entry – signed up for Bond Head United Church’s Mini Amazing Race on Saturday.
Just like the real thing, there were wrong turns, challenge retries, and a dash to the finish line. “It’s going to be very much like the television show,” said organizer Shona Reuter.
There were eight stops, spanning a route from Bond Head to Bradford and back. At each stop, one or more team members had to complete a challenge, to receive the riddle that was the clue to the next stop.
“If you don’t complete the task properly, your host is going to tell you, and you have to start over,” Reuter warned.
The first challenge took place on the church steps, with Rev. Diane Knowles reading the rules, and noting that the Mini Amazing Race “will take you through this glorious area, rich in history and heritage.”
The challenge? Two team members had to remove their shoes, hand them over to race volunteers – and then scour the property to find them again. The twist: “You cannot touch your own shoes. Your other partner has to put them on and tie them up for you,” said Knowles.
There was plenty of laughter, as team after team laced up, received their clues, and jumped into their vehicles to head to the next stop – and even more laughter when several teams headed to Sir William Osler Public School, instead of the Osler Cairn on Line 7.
At the end of the day, the teams returned to the church for a hot dog lunch, treats and prizes. First across the finish line was the team of Lisa Lloyd, Brooklyn Lloyd and Jordan Williams.
Their prize? Not a million dollars, but a night on the town – “alcohol not included,” said Knowles.