MOST Amazing Racers play it by ear at Orchestra Hall
The MOST Amazing Race has provided countless memories for hundreds of people over the past nine years. The races have faced obstacles that created a MOST Amazing experience for racers and volunteers alike. As we approach the 10th Anniversary race, we reached out to some of our veteran racers in hopes of capturing their favorite moments to share with you.
The anticipation and adrenaline is tangible on race day and propels front runners and those at the back of the pack. With rules like “no running” and “use inside voices” it can be hard to slow down when challenges arise. Enter Grant Dietrich.
Grant is all too familiar with the unique challenges teams must complete during the race. Being a 7-year veteran he’s come to expect the unexpected.
Grant recalls one of his favorite challenges at the legendary Orchestra Hall in 2009. With special access, racers were given a hodgepodge of trumpet parts and told to assemble it. Not only did they have to build this instrument from the ground up, they were then supposed to play a note in order to move on to the next portion of the race.
“We didn’t do that good of a job putting it together,” Grant said. “Air could barely flow through it. I think I about blew out a blood vessel in my head trying to get a note through it.”
After the run in with the trumpet, Grant and his partner had to run throughout Orchestra Hall to find The Salvation Army Brass Band, sit in an empty seat and hold the newly learned note for at least 5 seconds. Some who raced that day may say this challenge was one of the easiest or most fun, but Grant simply says “when I finally did [blow a note], I felt like I was going to pass out.”
If Grant and his partner can secure one of 20 spots in the morning qualifying event, this will be his 8th year competing for $5,000 courtesy of CenterPoint Energy, in The MOST Amazing Race.
Think they have what it takes? Tune in for live updates July 25 on the MOST Amazing Race Facebook page to find out.
Want to know more about the challenges racers have completed in the past?