'Amazing' race slated on Westmoreland Heritage Trail

Fans of the CBS adventure reality television show “The Amazing Race” will get to duplicate some of trials of that challenge — albeit locally instead of globally — in a race along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in the Trafford and Murrysville areas on Oct. 10.

The Amazing Trail Race challenges teams of one or two runners to solve a clues or find scavenger items along a five-mile radius on the trail and finish in the fastest time to capture a $300 prize, said Lisa Lotito, a member of the Community Women’s Club of Level Green, which is sponsoring the fundraiser along with the Westmoreland Heritage Trail group. The second-place and third-place teams will get $175 and $75, respectively.

The contestants, who must be at least 18 years old, will be given all 12 clues at the starting line at the B-Y Park along Route 130 in Trafford, Lotito said. The clues will lead to other spots along the trail. The race will include some type of task — known as a roadblock on the television show — along the route. To ensure social distancing, the starting times will be staggered, beginning at 10 a.m., Lotito said.

There will be volunteers stationed along the trail to help the racers, said Wendy Davis, a member of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail group.

Lotito said she believes it will take contestants about three hours to complete the race. All teams and spectators will receive an Amazing Trail Race wristband that must be worn during the event.

“We’re hoping to have a great turnout,” said Lotito, a fan of the CBS television show. She said the women’s club thought it would be safer to have an outdoor fundraiser at this time.

The trail will not be closed to the public during the race and a spectator fee of $5 per person will be collected for race sponsors. The general admission fee will allow family, friends and the public to participate in several other festivities, including food and refreshments, games and a raffle.

The entry fee for a one-person team is $30, and the cost for a two-person team is $50. Contestants must pre-register, sign an event waiver and mail in payment no later than Oct. 5. Team registration also will be available the day of the race for an additional $10 per team.

Forms and details can be downloaded at levelgreenwomensclub.org, westmorelandheritagetrail.com and on their social media pages. Forms are also available at the kiosks on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail and these Trafford businesses: Lisa’s Bike Shop, 5 Forbes Road; and The Parkside Creamery and The Kick Stand Grille, both at 1 Forbes Road.

Team check-in begins at 9 a.m. Racers can park in the Christian Life Church parking lot at 900 Seventh St., Trafford, or the upper B-Y parking area.

An all-ages bingo scavenger hunt will take place in B-Y Park at 11 a.m. It will challenge players to solve riddles and find items in the park. Contestants will need to mark off correct answers on a bingo clue card, which will cost $10 each. Prizes will be awarded.

For more information, contact levelgreenwomen@gmail.com or whtpr2017@gmail.com. Please include Amazing Trail Race in the subject line.