The Amazing Race facts for kids
The Amazing Race is a super exciting reality television game show. It airs on the CBS TV channel.
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What is The Amazing Race?
In The Amazing Race, 11 or 12 teams of two people race all around the world! They are trying to win a huge prize of $1,000,000. Teams get special "clues" that tell them where to go next.
Race Legs and Pit Stops
The race is split into different parts called "legs." Each leg ends at a "Pit Stop." When teams arrive at a Pit Stop, they get to rest. This rest period is usually 12 hours long. Sometimes it can be longer, like 24, 36, or even 60 hours!
The first team to reach a Pit Stop often wins a cool prize. This might be a trip to a beautiful place like the Caribbean.
Non-Elimination Rounds
Most of the time, the last team to arrive at a Pit Stop is eliminated from the race. But, there are usually two or three "non-elimination" points. This means no one goes home in that leg.
Over the years, the show has had different rules for teams that come in last on a non-elimination leg:
- Seasons 1-4: No penalty at all!
- Seasons 5-9: Teams had to give up all their money. They started the next leg with no cash. In Seasons 7-9, they even had to give up all their luggage!
- Seasons 10-11: Teams were "Marked for Elimination." If they didn't come in first on the next leg, they got a 30-minute penalty.
- Season 12 and beyond: Teams have to do a "Speed Bump." This is an extra task that only the last-place team has to complete. No other teams do it.
Race Tasks
Teams on The Amazing Race must complete several different kinds of tasks.
Detour Tasks
A Detour is a choice between two different tasks. A team can pick which one they want to do. Teams are allowed to switch between the two choices if they change their mind. But, if a team quits a Detour completely, they get a big 24-hour penalty!
Roadblock Tasks
A Roadblock is a task where only one person from the team can do it. The team cannot switch who performs the task once they start. If a team quits a Roadblock, they get a 4-hour penalty.
Fast Forward Tasks
A Fast Forward is a special task that a team can try to complete. If they finish it, they get to skip all other tasks in that leg and go straight to the Pit Stop! Only one team can win the Fast Forward in each leg.
History of The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race was created by Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri. The show first aired in 2001 and has been on TV ever since!
How The Show is Made
Making The Amazing Race is a very difficult job! The people who produce the show have to:
- Find amazing places around the world for teams to visit.
- Come up with fun and challenging tasks for the teams.
- Pick the teams who will race.
Cameramen have to keep up with the teams as they travel. Everyone involved has to keep the results a secret! Even with all the challenges, The Amazing Race has won many awards, including 6 Emmy Awards.
Versions Around the World
Besides the original American version, The Amazing Race has become popular worldwide. Many other countries have created their own versions of the show!
Some countries with their own versions include:
- Australia (which included New Zealand in 2014)
- Asia
- Brazil
- China
- France
- Israel
- Latin America
- Norway
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Ukraine
See also
In Spanish: The Amazing Race para niños
