Racer Information

The Southern Ontario Amazing Race is an experience like no other!
It will challenge your body, mind and spirit like nothing has before.

Check out the buzz from SOAR.

Application period closed.

Why it's cool:

  • Teams raise pledges for the Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington. In 2005 the event became the Children's Foundation's largest fundraiser. Even if you don't live in Guelph & Wellington, supporting the healthy development of kids anywhere is cool. Plus, Guelph & Wellington's kids will grow up and move all over the world.
  • You and your partner will get to share an experience like no other and it will be a story you'll tell for years to come.
  • The event has race photographers to capture the highlights of the weekend that will be available in a race book for a small fee after the race.
  • If you think you're really smart but not strong physically or vice versa, past original SOAR challenges range from rock climbing to a math brain buster and anything in between. Each team will excel or be stumped at different points in the race.
  • You will compete for awesome prizes. Previous year's prizes included $3000, $1500 travel vouchers, two tickets to anywhere in North America, a $500 gift certificate to Ontario Parks, 2 Tim Hortons camping packages, BBQs, and much more.
  • The planning team works hard to keep all details of the race a complete secret until the race weekend. The race will be full of surprises and excitement.

What you need to know:

  • SOAR will be taking place on the weekend of June 4-6, 2010. Registration will begin Friday evening and the race will conclude on Sunday.
  • The first challenge for teams accepted into SOAR is raising pledges. Although we do not have a minimum pledge requirement, teams are expected to work hard to bring in pledges. You will be rewarded with prizes and advantages during the race. It will pay off in more ways than one.
  • The registration fee is $300 per team. This covers all expenses for the weekend.
  • All racers must be 18 years of age.
  • One team member must have a valid drivers' license.
  • One team member must be able to swim.
  • SOAR and its Safety Coordinator design all aspects of the race with your safety in mind. You do not need to be a super athlete to compete but please keep in mind that this is a very physically challenging race. Also, challenges may be present that will push you beyond your comfort zone. That is the nature of SOAR; it will push you to try new things and will be truly exhilarating for all participants. Please be sure that you are serious about this opportunity before applying.

Who applies:

The planning team feels that allowing only 20 teams into SOAR heightens the experience of the race and that a combination of new and returning racers make the best competitive field. For this reason, we will be instituting a limit on the amount of times a person may participate. An individual may only participate three (3) times or win two (2) times, whichever comes first.

  • 1 TEAM: TOP PLEDGE RAISING TEAM FROM 2009: The top pledging team from 2009.
  • 3 TEAMS: TOP 3 RETURNING TEAMS FROM 2009: Of the 2009 teams that wish to return, the top 3 placing teams from will automatically be accepted into the race. THIS MUST BE A FULL TEAM AND NOT ONE RETURNING RACER WITH A NEW PARTNER.
  • 5 TEAMS: 2009 VOLUNTEER LOTTERY: Five (5) spots will be available for any 2009 volunteers that wish to participate in the 2010 race. The team can be composed of one volunteer and the partner of their choice or two volunteers. The teams will be selected at random through a lottery system.
  • 11 TEAMS: DIRECTOR'S CHOICE: Eleven (11) team plus if any of the above categories are not filled, the Director's will choose the teams to round out the 20 spots. These teams will be chosen from returning racers, volunteers and new teams that have not yet been selected in a previous category.

Please note that the 20 teams selected will be announced but the Team of Directors reserves the right to and will not announce who the Director's Choice teams are. All decisions by the Team of Directors are final and are not subject to review or appeal.


Apply with enthusiasm. It's easy to get accepted!

There are a few general things to keep in mind to increase your chances of being accepted to SOAR.

  • Be Creative: Race Directors need to get a sense of how teams will fare in the race. Show us what you will bring to SOAR! For the first time, SOAR Directors encourage applicants to include a link to a video portion of their application. Media sites such as YouTube and MySpaceTV can host your video for free and you can include a link to it in your application.

  • Be Fun: When the directors are looking to fill in the 11 Director's choice spots, they are looking for enthusiastic and energetic people that will contribute to the already amazing experience of SOAR.
  • Be Honest: Complete your application form honestly. The Director's are usually pretty good a spotting a tall tale!
  • Read the Form: There are some very specific things required to submit your application form. Read the application form closely before submitting!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. I'm not sure if I'm up for the challenge of SOAR, can you give me more specific details? One of the greatest things about SOAR is that participants have no prior knowledge of the details of the race. If you're not sure if SOAR is for you, sign up as a volunteer this year by contacting Emily at emily@therace.ca. The great thing about volunteering is that if you decide you would like to participate in the following year, you will receive a priority status for your application to that race.
  2. What is a Director's Pick team? The team of Directors likes teams with a lot of personality that will make SOAR an exciting and entertaining weekend. This is our chance to fill in the gaps and round out the teams that were selected in the first come, first served process.
  3. Is there a backup date if the weather isn't good? SOAR takes place rain or shine.
  4. Where does the race take place? In previous SOAR events, the starting line has been in Guelph, Ontario. Where the race goes from there is known only by race directors.
  5. I really want to take part in SOAR but I missed the application deadline last year. How do I make sure I don't miss this year's deadline? Your best bet is to join the email list by contacting Glenna at glenna@therace.ca
  6. Do the SOAR Directors make any money from SOAR? No. The application fee is used solely to cover the costs of the race weekend. All pledges raised go straight to the Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington.