Amazing Race

Monday, 14 April 2014 11:12

A team from Woodstock will try to win this year's Southern Ontario Amazing Race.

WOODSTOCK -- The 11th annual Southern Ontario Amazing Race is a few months away but already has 21 teams set for this year's edition and one of them is from Woodstock.

Also known locally by its acronym, "SOAR" -- takes teams around the different destinations and challenges in Southern Ontario, just like popular editions of the TV show.

Racers will compete for two days in physical and mental challenges, as well as having to navigate themselves through the towns of Ontario. By sponsoring your favourite team, not only does it help them gain an advantage during the race, you also help an amazing cause at the same time.

Teams will raise pledges once again for the Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington. In 2005, the event became the Children's Foundation's largest fundraiser.

Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington helps children and youth reach their full potential through programs that support their intellectual, emotional and physical well-being.

Early Childhood Educator Krista Gilbert, and her teammate Jenny Kerr, a national biologist at Sleeman Breweries are both Woodstock natives and have known each other for over 28 years and will compete in the event which starts June 6.

''I think it's going to be so fun, I'm excited and hope I get to challenge myself doing something. We hope to represent Woodstock awesome and the race can get a team from Woodstock another year," said Gilbert, 35, who first got the idea to compete after learning more about the competition on Facebook.

"I convinced my friend that we do it and apply. We had to fill out an application online and send in a video and two photos."

Gilbert says there really is no way to prepare for this kind of Amazing Race, but she adds her and teammate Jenny will be ready to represent Woodstock when the three day event begins later this spring.

"You have to say what problems you think you're going have to have as a team, the fears you would maybe encounter during the race and what you're going to do for fundraising."

Gilbert says those looking to help out can like their Facebook page to follow their fundraising efforts, which includes an upcoming beer raffle, regal sale, bottle drive and hopefully a barbeque.

This year's Southern Ontario Amazing Race runs from June 6-8th.

Those looking to support Gilbert and Kerr and help with fundraising can like their Facebook page -- Team Jenny and Krista, Southern Ontario Amazing Race