Physical and mental challenges part of Fox Valley Amazing Race

The Fox Valley Park District's local adaptation of the famously frenetic TV show "The Amazing Race" returns Saturday, Aug. 13.

The eighth annual rendition of the event will start at 9 a.m. from the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora.

The Fox Valley Amazing Race features four-person teams of adults who use a special map and follow crazy clues to conquer bizarre challenges in pursuit of victory.

The entry fee is $92 per team (21 and older). A post-race party and awards celebration will be held at Mike & Denise's Pizzeria, Bar & Grill in Aurora. Final registration deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 10.

Whereas the TV show features competitors who jump from continent to continent across the globe, Fox Valley's turf is the three-city spread of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery.

The course will include stops at several of the park district's 165 parks and many of its facilities such as Blackberry Farm and Red Oak Nature Center, and Aurora locations.

Teams 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.

"There are some physical challenges, but it also involves a lot of mental sharpness and navigation skills," said event coordinator Matt Odom. "The winners won't necessarily be the fastest or strongest; the race also requires a lot of savvy and smarts. You stay a step ahead of the other teams by outthinking them."

For details, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or call (630) 851-8990.