"Fun Runs" Increasing in Popularity - Pittsburgh's "Most Amazing Race" Is No Exception!

CARNEGIE, Pa., July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Color Runs… Mud Runs… Running for Donuts…. The Bacon Run…  and on and on and on. The latest craze in racing and fitness activities includes some pretty wild themes that large amounts of people find to be a lot of fun. The Salvation Army of Western PA has a race with a fun factor equal to or greater than those types of "Fun Runs" – plus, the added benefit of knowing that your participation is helping thousands of kids in Allegheny County to have safe place to go…..to be fed…..to be taught…. and to be inspired. You don't even have to get dirty and you can win CASH and other great PRIZES.

"The Most Amazing Race", patterned after a popular reality TV show, is taking off at Salvation Army locations across the country. According to Tom Puzak, race enthusiast, "The Pittsburgh Salvation Army race is unquestionably one of the best urban adventure races in the nation. As someone who races on both coasts and in between, I can say that this race is the highlight on my calendar."  Participants have a blast in this event for ages 18 and up that includes physical, mental and sometimes even wacky challenges. You don't have to be a marathon runner – just in good shape with a fun loving spirit. Average age of participants in Pittsburgh has been 36, with the oldest being over 60. Puzak adds: "It's a true replica of the TV show's experience. Our team happily travels from Minneapolis to experience Pittsburgh in a way you could not otherwise. It's a special day because of the city, the race course and the awesome volunteers; and what tops it off is the fact that all of the money raised goes to a great cause, not a private company's pocket." Since the Western PA Division's Most Amazing Race's inception in 2009, over $275,000 has been generated through racer fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

"The increased demand for youth programs provided by The Salvation Army nationwide over the past several years has been astounding. In Allegheny County, the increase in our youth programs, including educational and recreational, was at 36% when comparing 2012 and 2013. Funds generated through The Most Amazing Race allow us to provide programs that give hope to thousands of local children," said Major Mark Mackneer, General Secretary and Allegheny County Coordinator, The Salvation Army's Western PA Division.

Radio station 100.7 Star's afternoon drive time personality, Flick and his partner renowned local musician Nick Marzock participated for the first time last year and can't wait to do it again. You can join them in this year's Most Amazing Race, which happens on Saturday, September 20^th, beginning at The South Shore Riverfront Park, and concluding with an after-party at The Hyatt House Hotel located in Pittsburgh's South Side. Only the top 50 fundraising teams of two people will be accepted into the race, so securing a spot is determined by how well a team fundraises against another. A minimum of $250 per team is required to qualify. The more funds that are raised for The Salvation Army, the more advantages teams will have in the event. A total prize purse of $5,000 will be awarded. The first place team will cash in on $3,000 sponsored by PNC Bank; second place earns $1,500; and $500 will be awarded for third place. The top five teams that raise the most money will be rewarded with valuable prize packages, including tickets to sporting and cultural events, restaurant and retail gift cards, hotel packages, and more.  

"This event would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors, including:  Home Depot;  MSA; PNC Bank; Walmart and numerous other community-minded businesses that are opening their doors and assisting with specific challenges," said Donna Fencik, The Salvation Army's "Most Amazing Race" coordinator. "Corporate sponsors and volunteers are still being accepted and we welcome anyone with an interest to contact me for more information on how to get involved in this exciting event," said Fencik.   

To learn more by watching videos of previous events, to register to participate or volunteer, or to donate, please visit www.mostamazingrace.org or call Donna Fencik at 412.446.1644. Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division