Participate in The Amazing Race - Pittsburgh Style! Time is Running Out to Qualify For The Salvation Army's Most Amazing Race in Pittsburgh.

News provided by

The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

Sep 03, 2014, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of the region's most unique events, The Salvation Army's Most Amazing Race, takes place on Saturday, September 20^th, beginning at South Shore Riverfront Park in Pittsburgh. Teams of two compete to reach the finish line with no idea where the race course will take them. The event begins with participants receiving a clue to a challenge. Upon successful completion of that challenge, they will receive the clue to their next challenge location. This continues, with anywhere from 12 to 16 challenges to find and complete, ranging from physical challenges (rock climbing, obstacle course completion) to mental tasks (puzzle solving, acting, singing) to crazy feats (eating contests and the like).

Winners of the race are generously rewarded with cash prizes. First place wins $3,000, sponsored by PNC Bank. Second place is $1,500; and third, $500. The Top Five Fundraising Teams earn fantastic prize packages valued at between over $5,000 to over $500. Generous sponsors make it all possible. Mattress Firm has stepped up to the plate by donating two complete sets of queen size bedding as well as Mattress Firm Cash to thank those who work hard at raising funds for The Salvation Army. In addition, Mattress Firm will be donating mattresses for victims of fires or floods and pillows for residents of The Salvation Army's Family Caring Center Shelter. Other top sponsors include Challenge Sponsors Home Depot, The Soffer Organization, SouthSide Works, and MSA; Apparel Sponsor Walmart; and After-party sponsor Qdoba Mexican Grill. Others include numerous local businesses who are opening their doors as challenge locations as well as countless prize sponsors. Over 50 volunteers will also be on hand to help make sure the challenges are run efficiently and to celebrate with the participants at the after party at The Hyatt House Hotel.

Proceeds of The Most Amazing Race benefit The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania's youth programs for children throughout Allegheny County. Camping experiences, character building and recreational activities, homework help, feeding programs and more provide kids with the sense of hope they need for a brighter future. "More and more people turn to us for help each year," said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army's Allegheny County Coordinator. "Events like this one help us raise not only much-needed funds but also awareness for the valuable programs we provide," he added.

"Anyone can participate and be competitive in this event," stated Donna Fencik, Divisional Director of Fundraising for The Salvation Army and event coordinator. She continued: "Mental challenges level the playing field for those who might not be stellar athletes. Our past participants have ranged in age from 21 to 61, with the average age being 36. You don't have to be a marathon runner to be involved. It helps to be in good shape, but there are public transportation options available for those who can't run the entire course. We're very grateful for the cooperation of The City of Pittsburgh and The Allegheny County Port Authority." Teams must be register online at www.mostamazingrace.org and be qualified by raising at least $250 per team by midnight on September 12^th. The top 50 fundraising teams will be accepted into the race.

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.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/MM81995LOGO

SOURCE The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division