BY ROBERT TAGLIALEGNE
Organizers of The Amazing Charity Race are gearing up once
again to raise money for Sudbury- area charities.
The United Way and Canadian Red Cross have joined together
to run their version of the Amazing Race, which take will 
place Friday, May 26.
Last year, the event raised $24,000 for the two charities.
Eleven teams participated in 2005, the first time the race took
place in Sudbury. Interest was so great that the organizers had
to turn away some teams.
Peggy Llewellyn, community services co-ordinator for the
Canadian Red Cross in Sudbury, said the event was expanded this
year to allow more teams to take part.
"Preparations are coming along very well … there is room for
10 to 12 more teams."
Teams have until May 12 to register.
The race is based on the popular CBS program in which 10
teams of two players jet around the world to solve clues and
perform tasks in order to remain in the competition.
In the Sudbury race, teams of 10 will leave the Holiday Inn
on Regent St. at noon. The participants are provided a touring
vehicle and a driver. The teams try to solve clues and complete
tasks before moving on to the next location and, eventually,
the finish line.
The race is against other teams and the clock - the race
ends at 6 pm. The first team to complete the course wins the
race. The grand prize is tickets to a Blue Jays game and a
helicopter ride for three people over Sudbury.
The race not only raises money for charity, but is also a
good time.
"Our games will be more engaging and challenging than last
years," said Llewellyn. As well, teams are encouraged to choose
a theme and dress accordingly. Prizes will be given for the
best costumes.
The cost to participate is $250 in pledges per person or $2,500 in pledges for teams of 10.
One team last year collected nearly $5,000.
Teams interested in participating can phone the Canadian Red Cross (674-0737) or the United Way (560-3330) for information.