22 Rules You Didn’t Know “The Amazing Race” Contestants Must Follow

‘The Amazing Race’ Contestants Must Follow 22 Rules: What You Need to Know

The hit reality show “The Amazing Race”, where teams of two travel the world competing for a $1 million prize, has a set of rules contestants must follow to make it to the finish line. This season, featuring all-star Big Brother alums, is set to premiere on Sept. 25. The show’s creators and executive producers, Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, revealed these rules to PEOPLE in January 2022.

1. Age Requirement: Contestants must be at least 18 years old to compete, with no maximum age limit. A grandmother in her late 70s once competed with her granddaughter on the show.

2. Race Duration: Typically, races last around three weeks, but not beyond 28 days. Contestants must stay silent about the show until the cast list is officially announced.

3. Pit Stops: After completing a leg, contestants reach a pit stop for mandatory rest, where they are not allowed to use their own money but instead receive “leg money” for each leg of the race.

4. Flight Bookings: Teams must independently book flights for themselves and two crew members, ensuring the crew accompanies them at all times.

5. Navigation: Contestants cannot use digital technology like GPS and must rely on maps for directions. They may even have to drive manual cars in some regions.

6. Cultural Sensitivity: Teams undergo training to respect the different cultures they encounter, including appropriate clothing and behaviour in various countries.

7. Interaction with Locals: If contestants engage with locals, they need to wait for them to sign release forms before they can be filmed.

8. Prize for Losers: Eliminated teams do not go home immediately but are sequestered until the end of production, receiving a cash prize and a trip around the world.

9. Versatile Clothing: Contestants must pack clothing suitable for various climates and conditions they may encounter during the race.

10. No Begging: While contestants are not allowed to beg for money, they can barter goods or services to obtain what they need during the race.

11. Flight Limitations: Teams can only book one flight to their destination, preventing them from monopolising multiple flights to hinder other teams’ progress.

12. Crew Accommodation: Contestants must ensure there is enough space for the camera and sound crew in all modes of transportation, even if it means the crew squeezing into a crowded taxi.

13. Clues Reading: Clues must be read out loud by contestants as soon as they receive them, with the camera crew capturing the moment in one take.

14. Attendance to Crew: Contestants must stay within 20 feet of their camera crew at all times to ensure that their actions are documented correctly.

15. Breakdown Protocol: If a team encounters transportation issues, there are no time extensions given, and they must deal with the situation as part of the race.

While these rules add an extra layer of challenge for contestants, they also contribute to creating an exciting and high-stakes competition that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With the new season about to kick off, fans can expect to witness more thrilling adventures and unexpected twists as the contestants race towards the ultimate prize.