Sign up now for Fox Valley Park District's 'Amazing Race'

Inspired by the riveting television reality show, the Fox Valley Park District will hold its own "Amazing Race" next month.

Now embarking on its 15th season, CBS-TV's "The Amazing Race" has captivated audiences around the world. Millions of viewers have been along for the virtual ride, energetically engaged while watching as contestants jump from continent to continent in hot pursuit of clues that take them closer to the finish line.

Many say it's television's greatest adventure, the armchair travel experience of a lifetime. Even the critics like it, awarding the show six consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Competition Series.

On Aug. 8, the local version arrives in these parts, with the race launching at 4 p.m. from the Eola Community Center. No wide-ranging travels to such diverse locales as Kazakhstan or Cambodia, however. The turf for these competitors will be the three-city metropolis of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery.

Teams of four will traverse the communities via car and foot in hopes of conquering each challenge, outsmarting the competition and navigating their way on a map to victory, akin to a scavenger hunt on steroids.

Sounds similar to the chaotic run of weekly errands each Saturday morning, only this race has rewards for those who figure out the best strategy.

"It will involve a lot of physical challenges in addition to navigation skills," said event coordinator Jaime Ijams. "The winners won't necessarily be the fastest or strongest; the race is going to require a lot of savvy and smarts."

The intrigue and adventure are what lured Auroran Julie Bremer to sign up. She and her husband, Brian Hopkins, formed a team with neighbors Kevin and Rachel Trentkamp, and the foursome is already plotting strategy even though they don't have a clue what the clues will be yet.

"The best strategy is to think things through before you act," said Bremer. "Plan out your next move before you run off in pursuit of another clue. And, most importantly, stay calm. It's more than just a race where the fastest wins. You have to stay a step ahead of the other teams you're competing against by outthinking them."

Ijams didn't want to give away any specifics, but said some of the challenges will involve food, picture-taking, uncovering clues at secret locations and recovering hidden items. The racecourse will include stops at several of the park district's 150 parks, in addition to many of its facilities such as Blackberry Farm, Red Oak Nature Center and the Vaughan Athletic Center, among others.

It might favor teams whose members have lived in the area many years and are familiar with all the nooks and crannies in each community. Or not. Bremer has lived in these parts for about five years, but with a handy map and a solid strategy, she's certain her team can be a front-runner from the start.

"We always wanted to go on the TV show because it would be a chance to travel around the world and see some amazing places," said Bremer. "This will be the local version of that. We're going to see some places in our towns we might not have known of otherwise. It's like exploring and competing all in one."

Bremer has already solved the first clue by signing up. All that remains now is the chase.

• Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net. To sign up a team for Fox Valley Amazing Race, call (630) 851-8990. Entry deadline is July 30.