Teams » Season 17

Andie & Jenna
Birth Mother/Biological Daughter
Age: Andie (43) & Jenna (21)
Occupation: Andie (Stay at Home Mom) & Jenna (Student)
Hometown: Andie (Atlanta, GA) & Jenna (Athens, GA)

Andie
Favorite hobbies: Running, hiking, scrapbooking and learning foreign languages
Achievements: Choosing life when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. More recently, raising a big family.
Lifelong to do list: Skydive, bungee jump and get a diver's certification. I'm definitely having a midlife crisis.
What scares you most about traveling? The fear that something bad will happen while I'm abroad and it will be hard for me to get to my family.
What excites you most about traveling? Being somewhere totally out of my comfort zone
If I could switch places with someone: A younger version of myself. I would love to have a do-over knowing what I know now.
Role model/hero: My husband, Joe, because his strength of character never wavers. He inspires me to be the best person I can be.
What are you passionate about? My kids! I love every part of being their mother.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would give at least 10 percent to my children's school and to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to help kids like my sweet nephew, Mateo. The rest would go to raising and education my children.
People would be surprised to learn: I am an at-home mom of 10 children, ages 18 months to 18 years.
Favorite place you have ever visited: I visited Rome, Italy when I was 23 years-old. Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Experiencing all the stresses the other teams are facing, with the added stress that we've only just met and are still getting to know each other.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I want to get to know this person I brought into the world. I feel the opportunity of being together 24/7 for a while on the Race would give us the chance to know each other in a deeper way than we would if we met under normal circumstances.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I don't know her well enough to have a pet peeve yet!

Jenna
Favorite hobbies: Traveling, movies and enjoying the music and nightlife in Athens excites me.
Achievements: Testing my fear of heights by going glacier bungee jumping off a 300 foot cliff
Lifelong to do list: I would like to have a family, be successful and never be afraid to dream bigger than what I thought was ever possible.
What scares you most about traveling? Absolutely nothing
What excites you most about traveling? It opens my mind to entirely different perspectives and way of life. I love to see everything I can and be completely in the moment.
If I could switch places with someone: I wouldn't because I love my life! But, one Saturday as Uga (Georgia Bulldogs mascot) would be really fun.
Role model/hero: My parents. I'll be lucky to be half the person and half the parent that each of them are.
What are you passionate about? Traveling, seeing the world, writing, reading and loving my friends and family
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would take my parents and friends to Italy and then save the rest.
People would be surprised to learn: I can rough it. I can't wait to go without makeup, without showering and without sleep on the Race.
Favorite place you have ever visited: I love Interlaken, Switzerland. It is the extreme sports capital of the world!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Since we just met, it will be harder for us to race without knowing one another as well as the other teams do. We have to trust each other way more and have faith in ourselves.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to get to know my birth mother through this incredible opportunity. It is my hope that we will be able to spend a lot of time together and become friends.

Connor & Jonathan
Best Friends
Age: 22
Occupation: Students
Hometown: Connor (Chesterland, OH) & Jonathan (Cranford, NJ)

Connor
Favorite hobbies: Singing in our a cappella group, volunteering, speech/debate, acting and sports
Achievements: Serving as student body President at Princeton University
Lifelong to do list: Beat Phil Keoghan in a foot race
What scares you most about traveling? Getting sick
What excites you most about traveling? New adventures and the unexpected
If I could switch places with someone: Shirley Tilghman (President of Princeton)
Role model/hero: Barack Obama
What are you passionate about? Show tunes.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Withdraw the full amount in one-dollar bills, put it in a kiddie pool, jump in, jump out and take a shower (apparently money is really dirty).
People would be surprised to learn: Dalmatians are born without spots
Favorite place you have ever visited: Princeton, N.J.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Staying in harmony (musically and competitively)
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? An incredible experience and the chance for one last hurrah with Jonathan before we graduate and go off into the real world.
Pet peeve about your teammate: At times Jonathan can be overly concerned with getting in trouble and he's often afraid to break any sort of rules.

Jonathan
Favorite hobbies: Singing in our a cappella group, filmmaking and filling out surveys
Achievements: It's a three-way tie between getting into Princeton, being cast in a Broadway show and opening up that really tough jar of pickles in the back of my fridge.
Lifelong to do list: Make a lifelong to do list
What scares you most about traveling? The fact that other travelers are probably going to pass gas on airplanes without me hearing it
What excites you most about traveling? The opportunity for me to pass gas on airplanes without anyone hearing it
If I could switch places with someone: Yanni
Role model/hero: My parents, Mother Theresa and Kenny G (not necessarily in that order).
What are you passionate about? Tweezin' the old unibrow
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If I were to win the million dollars I would buy a pony, but just one.
People would be surprised to learn: That my name, "Jonathan," is translated to mean "gift from God." Coincidence? I think not.
Favorite place you have ever visited: My podiatrist's office (bunion surgery - more like "Fun-ion" surgery.)
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Not dying while circling the globe.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? On the Race, I hope to accomplish world peace, eradicate hunger and give Phil Keoghan a buzz cut.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He's taller than me.



Jill & Thomas
Dating
Age: Jill (27) & Thomas (30)
Occupation: Jill (Hair Stylist) & Thomas (Ad Sales Director)
Hometown: Marina Del Rey, CA

Jill
Favorite hobbies: Reading, running and work out classes
Achievements: Leaving my hometown to live in a big city like I had always dreamed of
Lifelong to do list: Have an Eat Pray Love experience in life
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing! I want to experience as much of the world as I can. I am uneasy when there is turbulence, though.
What excites you most about traveling? Relaxing, getting sun, doing activates and having no phone
Role model/hero: My sister - she's smart, driven and independent. I always look to her for guidance and inspiration.
What are you passionate about? Family, friends, my career, traveling and enjoying every moment of life
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would take my family on vacation, buy a new car, purchase a great collection of handbags and finally invest the rest.
People would be surprised to learn: The amount of physical labor and construction work I've had to do. Thanks, Dad.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Madrid, Spain
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Communication and not being short tempered with one another.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope we grow as a team and have an amazing experience together.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He never cleans up after himself.

Thomas
Favorite hobbies: Skiing, golfing and lounging
Achievements: Graduating from Notre Dame
Lifelong to do list: I would ultimately like to give more.
What scares you most about traveling? Being caught in a hostile environment is what I'm most fearful of when traveling.
What excites you most about traveling? Being completely and utterly immersed in a polar opposite cultural environment
If I could switch places with someone: Phil Mickelson - Something about making tens of millions of dollars playing golf on the most scenic courses in the world seems fairly intriguing.
Role model/hero: My dad. He's the smartest, hardest working and selfless person I know.
What are you passionate about? God, my family, sports and travel
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Put a down payment on a ski house in the Colorado Rockies.
People would be surprised to learn: Yo hablo espanol - como un gringo
Favorite place you have ever visited: San Sebastian, Spain
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Our biggest hurdle on the Race will be communicating effectively.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to experience other cultures. It would also be a great life experience Jill and I can share.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She always has spelling errors.

Gary & Mallory
Father/Daughter
Age: Gary (53) & Mallory (24)
Occupation: Gary (Entrepreneur) & Mallory (Miss Kentucky 2009)
Hometown: Gary (Morganfield, KY) & Mallory (Lexington, KY)

Gary
Favorite hobbies: Triathlon, scuba diving and hunting/fishing
Achievements: Building a company from the ground up with my family to become one of the largest in the industry; getting my commercial pilots license and logging over 5000 hours; and, I wrestled and coached for University of Central Missouri and Union County High School.
Lifelong to do list: Be a better husband, father and friend
What scares you most about traveling? Being out of the country if something were to happen to my family
What excites you most about traveling? Learning about different people and cultures
If I could switch places with someone: No one - I'm not perfect, but I'm happy with who I am.
Role model/hero: My parents - I still strive to make them proud of me.
What are you passionate about? My family, work, faith and fitness
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If I were to win the million dollars I would help as many people with it as I could.
People would be surprised to learn: I ran 13 marathons and a half Ironman triathlon after I turned 45.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Ngoro Ngoro crater in Tanzania
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: The biggest obstacle of running the Race will be living up to our family's expectation that we are going to win.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I would like to win for my family and community. I hope to represent both well so that they will be proud of my effort.
Pet peeve about your teammate: My daughter has a stubborn streak -- a lot like me.

Mallory Ervin
Favorite hobbies: Performing, spending time with my family on our farm and thrill seeking activities like skydiving and bungee jumping
Achievements: I was very proud of being selected as 4th runner up at Miss America. It was something that I have worked and prepared for my entire life.
Lifelong to do list: Perform on Broadway! I also love motivational speaking and would love to find a way to continue this throughout my life. Lastly, I want to make my family proud.
What scares you most about traveling? Being out of the country if something was to happen to my family
What excites you most about traveling? I love diving blindly into new cultures and cities - the food, the language and the general attitude toward life. I also love that feeling that I have when I return home and realize all the good things that I have right here.
If I could switch places with someone: Phil, because he gets to do The Amazing Race every season.
Role model/hero: My dad
What are you passionate about? My family, singing and helping others find joy in life
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would give some of it to the organizations that helped me along my way to achieve my dreams -- the Miss America and Miss Kentucky Organization, Autism Awareness as well as the Catholic grade school and public high school I attended. I would save or invest the rest. My father will probably disagree.
People would be surprised to learn: I've already made a million dollars - for charity. When I was Miss Kentucky I sold a country ham for 1.3 million dollars and all the money went to local charities in my state.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Rome, Italy
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We're both very stubborn so we will have to learn how to give a little. We also need to work on trusting each other.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to have the adventure of a lifetime and an experience to share with my Dad. He is a huge fan and has never missed an episode. It would mean a lot to him to be able to run the Race together.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Biggest pet peeve about my dad is that he never thinks about himself.

Michael & Kevin
Engaged
Age: Michael (58) & Kevin (20)
Occupation: Michael (Software Consultant & Content Creator) & Kevin (Student / Internet Entertainer)
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX

Michael
Favorite hobbies: My favorite hobbies include reading a good book, watching old movies and going to the park/lake.
Achievements: I have provided a stable and comfortable environment for my two kids to grow up. My wife and I did our best to raise them while running our own business.
Lifelong to do list: Travel around the world, be good at martial arts like Tai-Chi and pursue an advanced degree
What scares you most about traveling? Being in an airplane accident
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing different places and people, and getting out of the routine to do something different
What are you passionate about? I like to make friends smile and laugh. I also love to share my knowledge with young people and hope to make a difference in their lives.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would share half of the amount equally among the 11 teams and the rest I would donate to charity.
People would be surprised to learn: I am not really comfortable in a competitive situation.
Favorite place you have ever visited: North European countries
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We need to try and put our different personalities aside and work to be the best team we can be.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope the Race will be an exciting and fun experience that we can share for the rest of our lives. I'm also sure that facing the challenges and solving them together will definitely make us understand each other better. I hope to improve our relationship.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He uses foul language in situations when it's not really called for.

Kevin
Favorite hobbies: Making videos, competitive sports and traveling
Achievements: I just recently hit one million subscribers on Youtube. Also I'm the youngest person ever to be on Amazing Race!
Lifelong to do list: Ultimately I would like to learn how to cook, travel the world, start a production company.
What scares you most about traveling? Losing my luggage
What excites you most about traveling? Getting to experience new places
If I could switch places with someone: I'd rather not switch places with anyone.
Role model/hero: My dad. He knows how to keep it real.
What are you passionate about? Food
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would use it to fund a show I have in mind.
People would be surprised to learn: I make YouTube videos with my dad. My dad is hilarious!
Favorite place you have ever visited: Amsterdam
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Being decisive and using our heads more than others, because as a team we might be at a disadvantage physically.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? The experience of traveling around the globe.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Sometimes we have a difficult time comprehending one another.

Brook & Claire
Best Friends
Age: Brook (27) & Claire (30)
Occupation: Home Shopping Television Hosts
Hometown: Brook (San Diego, CA) & Claire (Reno, NV)

Brook
Favorite hobbies: Snow skiing, spending time with my family, scrapbooking and traveling
Achievements: I'm proud that I'm a self-sufficient woman. I make a six figure salary in my twenties and I don't need to be supported by anyone financially.
Lifelong to do list: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and take over for Kelly Ripa when she's ready to retire
What scares you most about traveling? Disease! I'm so scared of getting an incurable disease.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new cultures and meeting people that live a life unlike mine
If I could switch places with someone: Kelly Ripa or Giuliana Rancic from E! News
Role model/hero: My entire family - from my grandparents to my six siblings - they all inspire me to be a better person. They keep me grounded and they're a team of role models who live humble, respectful and fulfilling lives.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about anything that involves traveling, gemstones and family. Ive been to mines all over the world and I know the chemical makeup of just about every gemstone on the planet! I'm certified from both the Gemological Institute of America and The Diamond Council of America.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If we win the million dollars I would send my little sister to college and buy a house in Malibu.
People would be surprised to learn: Most people find my job intriguing. I'm a jewelry home shopping host.
Favorite place you have ever visited: My favorite place in the world is Bali, Indonesia. The island is crammed with history, art, spirituality and enchanting people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: It will be a challenge not to laugh our way out of any obstacle. Claire and I both have a wicked sense of humor and every time we face adversity we break out in fits of laughter and jokes. We are here to win and want to have a good time doing it.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? It would be an experience that would bond us together for life. I think everyone out there wants to develop stronger and deeper bonds with their best friend.
Pet peeve about your teammate: My pet peeve about Claire is that she is really bossy and gets easily offended when I don't listen to her advice.

Claire
Favorite hobbies: Snowboarding, horseback riding and traveling
Achievements: My career is my biggest achievement
Lifelong to do list: Travel, meet new people, have new experiences and continue to grow as a person -- everything that the Race has to offer. Guess I can check that one off my bucket list.
What scares you most about traveling? The food is probably the scariest part of traveling.
What excites you most about traveling? All the adventures and the people you meet
If I could switch places with someone: No one. I love and cherish my life. I am truly blessed and never take that for granted.
Role model/hero: My dad is my hero - he always strives to go above and beyond what he thinks he is capable of.
What are you passionate about? Family
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If I were to win the million dollars I would invest it wisely and make another million.
People would be surprised to learn: That's a hard one. I'm pretty much an open book.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Favorite place on the planet is Costa Rica, hands down. The scenery is gorgeous and the people are so genuine and kind.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Ha! Please. Brook and I can take on anything - as long as it doesn't require a lot of running.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I'm running the Race to have a great adventure and for an "amazing" experience.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Brooke always looks good. Even when she wakes up in the morning it looks like she has a full face of make-up.

Chad & Stephanie
Engaged
Age: Chad (26) & Stephanie (23)
Occupation: Chad (Operations Manager) & Stephanie (Hair Stylist)
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Chad
Favorite hobbies: Traveling, outdoor sports and cooking
Achievements: I've had a lot of success at my age within the company I work for, IST Management Services.
Lifelong to do list: Write a novel, complete an Ironman and run my own business What scares you most about traveling? The thought of getting arrested while abroad for something I didn't do and not being able to get out of jail is a little terrifying.
What excites you most about traveling? The time leading up to the destination and the chance to see a totally different world from mine
If I could switch places with someone: Mathew McConaughey - It would be awesome to star in the movies he has been in as well as live life the way he does.
Role model/hero: My mom is definitely my biggest hero. She raised my brother and me alone for 11 years until she re-married. She always made sure we never lacked in experiencing life to the fullest or making excuses for why something couldn't be done. She passed away from cancer when I was 18 and fought until the very end.
What are you passionate about? I'm very passionate about living life to the fullest and getting to know all walks of life.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If we were to win the million dollars, I would do my best to invest it wisely even though I might have to blow a little bit first.
People would be surprised to learn: I'm a great cook.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Ochos Rios, Jamaica
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Learning to communicate and take a back seat to each other will be our biggest hurdle on the road.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to grow as a person and as a couple. I really look to gain a whole new perspective on life from the travel and obstacles we will face.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She has a lot of great ideas, but does not always see them through.

Stephanie Smith
Favorite hobbies: Singing, swimming and water sports
Achievements: Biggest achievements include placing in the top 10 at Miss USA 2008 and being ranked nationally as a swimmer at age 14.
Lifelong to do list: It's really too long to list everything, but I want to start my own business, record my own CD, host a variety show and have a happy family of my own. To do these things, I have to keep setting goals and going after them with full force.
What scares you most about traveling? Breaking a law that I am unaware of
What excites you most about traveling? Learning about different cultures, people, religions and styles of clothing is what I look forward to most when traveling.
If I could switch places with someone: Celine Dion. I would love to know how it feels to perform as powerfully as she does.br /> Role model/hero: I have a lot of people I look up to for inspiration, my family and friends included. Although I have always been impressed with Kelly Ripa. You can't help but just love her.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about whatever makes me happy. I am an enthusiastic person. If I like something and set out to achieve a goal, I am extremely passionate about that task.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would try to be a responsible young lady and pay school loans, have a family vacation and invest in another home. Maybe get a new wardrobe too.
People would be surprised to learn: I can sing. I was in a classic rock band in Charleston, S.C. I would love to start performing again.
Favorite place you have ever visited: I was a competitive swimmer growing up and was given the opportunity to train at the Colorado Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. It was a gorgeous place and such an exciting trip.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Chad and I are so much alike. The things we love about each other are the same things we hate. Communication will be our biggest hurdle -- and his temper.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? All the positive and negative experiences of traveling with someone you love and then to see how he handles problems we will have to face together.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He can be inconsiderate of other people's feelings and he can be very brash.

Nick & Vicki
Dating
Age: 26
Occupation: Nick (Bartendar) & Vicki (Hair Stylist)
Hometown: Henderson, NV

Nick
Favorite hobbies: Snowboarding, golfing and motorcycles
Achievements: Purchasing my Harley all by myself
Lifelong to do list: I would ultimately like to start a pit bull rescue because I feel like they are misunderstood animals.
What scares you most about traveling? Leaving my dogs and my family
What excites you most about traveling? Having the opportunity to see other cultures and experience the world
If I could switch places with someone: I like who I am therefore I wouldn't want to switch places with anyone else.
Role model/hero: My role models are my parents. They always taught me to never quit and to always respect myself and others.
What are you passionate about? The things I'm most passionate about are Vicki, my family, my dogs and my toys.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would help my parents pay off their house and pay off my credit cards. Then I would focus my efforts on opening a pit bull rescue.
People would be surprised to learn: I'm a very understanding and caring person.
Favorite place you have ever visited: I haven't traveled extensively so I would have to say I love the beaches in California.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: I think Vicki and my biggest challenge will be our communication. We are both are extremely head strong.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I'm running the Race to gain some interpersonal growth.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Biggest pet peeve is that Vicki is always on her phone.

Vicki
Favorite Hobbies: Working out, gymnastics and snowboarding
Achievements: Passing my state boards.
Lifelong to do list: I want to sky dive over the Swiss Alps before I die! I want to provide help and funds to non-profit addiction organizations and become a lead (celebrity) hair stylist in the industry. I'd also like to create my own extension/product line. All in all, I want to have a well known and respected name throughout the world for what I do best, hair design.
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing scares me about traveling. I'm fearless.
What excites you most about traveling? Everything - I love surprises and seeing new cultures.
If I could switch places with someone: I would switch places with Ken Paves. He is one of the most talented hair designers in the industry.
Role model/hero: My parents - they have always told me to follow my dreams and never give up.
What are you passionate about? Most passionate about my career - hair design. I was born to make people look and feel beautiful.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If we take home the million dollar prize, I would pay off my house and any other debt. I would also donate a portion of it to a non-profit addiction organization.
Favorite place you have ever visited: I love Italy - it's where my family's roots are and there's so much culture to soak in and learn.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: The biggest challenge we'll face while racing around the globe will undoubtedly be our communication with one another.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? Self well being and gratification
Pet peeve about your teammate: Nick's snoring! I hate it!

Katie & Rachel
Friends
Age: Katie (23) & Rachel (24)
Occupation: Beach Volleyball Players
Hometown: Katie (Rahway, NJ) & Rachel (Moorestown, NJ)

Katie
Favorite hobbies: Playing volleyball, exercising and going to the beach
Achievements: Playing division I volleyball and being chosen to all-conference team
Lifelong to do list: Travel the world
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing! I love planes, trains, cars, boats, a good run, bike ride - I'll do it all.
What excites you most about traveling? I LOVE seeing new places. It is one of my goals in life to travel as often as possible.
If I could switch places with someone: Bella Swan
Role model/hero: My little brother, Michael, who actually isn't very little at all! He is the greatest athlete that I have ever personally known and he inspires me everyday. He was drafted in the 2010 MLS draft and is playing with the Seattle Sounders. I am so proud of how hard he has worked and of all his accomplishments. I loved watching him play his entire life but now seeing him on TV gives me goose bumps.
What are you passionate about? This is an obvious one - volleyball, of course! I am also very passionate about my family. My parents, sisters and brother mean the world to me; they are hilarious, crazy, fun and extremely close to one another. Love you guys!
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Buy a beach house on the Jersey Shore and travel.
People would be surprised to learn: I love musicals.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Portugal
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Shutting up. We both talk too much.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? Rachel is one of my best friends. I think this will be a great experience for us to do something fun and competitive and bond with each other.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She gets frustrated way too easily. She freaks out and it is hard to calm her down.

Rachel
Favorite Hobbies: Volleyball, traveling and shopping
Achievements: Graduating college with honors
Lifelong to do list: Find a job that I love, go on African Safari with my sister, sail around the Greek Islands with my mom, get married in Bora Bora and have really cute athletic babies
What scares you most about traveling? Getting kidnapped or being in a plane crash
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new places
If I could switch places with someone: Katie Seamon
Role model/hero: My mother. Not only is she beautiful, a good athlete and the coolest mom I know, but everyday I am amazed at how she raised two daughters all by herself with such determination and sacrifice. I think we turned out great - thanks, Mom!
What are you passionate about? Volleyball, love and my day planner
What would you do if you won the million dollars? I would pay off my student loans, buy a place of my own and hit up a Michael Kors store.
People would be surprised to learn: I often sleep with a stuffed hippo named Winston and I don't like tomato sauce.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Las Vegas
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Not having contact with our friends and family
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? Making new memories with Katie and seeing the world
Pet peeve about your teammate: She is not very punctual and she is bad at answering email/texts.

Ron & Tony
Best Friends
Age: Ron (45) & Tony (42)
Occupation: Ron (Director / Choreographer) & Tony (Doctoral Student at the University of Arizona)
Hometown: Ron (Los Angeles, CA) & Tony (Tuscon, AZ)

Ron
Favorite hobbies: Working out, skiing, golfing and dinners with friends
Achievements: My biggest achievement came when I was cast in my first Broadway show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and writing my first book The Gypsy's Survival Guide to Show-Business.
Lifelong to do list: One day I would like to do outreach work in Africa, host an entertainment show, open a theater and travel the world.
What scares you most about traveling? Being in another country when there is a terrorist attack
What excites you most about traveling? Experiencing the world in new ways and discovering new cultures, people and food
If I could switch places with someone: I'm blessed with an amazing life and love my work and family. I wouldn't want to switch places with anyone, but there are many people that I admire and respect. They inspire me to strive to reach my goals.
Role model/hero: My mother is my role model and my father is my hero.
What are you passionate about? Helping actors and performers discover their dreams. Equal rights and equality for all.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Assist my family, make a donation to my church and invest the rest. People would be surprised to learn: I'm a pretty quiet person when I'm not working and I have a deep faith in God.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Serra Cafema Namibia in Africa
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Because of our size differences, the physical challenges may be our Team's biggest hurdles.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? It will be a dream come true for both of us to run the race together. It will be an amazing opportunity to see and discover parts of the world I would never be able to experience.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I can't reach him because he is always on the phone.

Tony
Favorite hobbies: Reading, traveling and screenwriting
Achievements: Getting my MBA
Lifelong to do list: Ultimately I would like to get a PhD (the journey has begun), become a professor, visit the three continents I haven't been to, skydive and read War & Peace.
What scares you most about traveling? Political unrest in some places in the world scares me.
What excites you most about traveling? The idea of experiencing different cultures is what excites me most about traveling. I'm fascinated with people so any chance I get to experience others is great.
If I could switch places with someone: President Obama (but only for a day or so - I think the stress would kill me)
Role model/hero: My parents
What are you passionate about? I'm most passionate about learning, my family and friends and new adventures
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Pay off my school loans, give a little to charity (that includes my family - charity begins at home), visit the three continents I haven't visited and invest the rest.
People would be surprised to learn: I like country music.
Favorite place you have ever visited: China and Southern Africa
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Communicating clearly and calmly with one another will be a challenge for us on the Race.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I think the race will bring us closer together. It will help us to solidify our friendship and give us another amazing adventure together. We are eager for an adventure of a lifetime.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He's ALWAYS on the phone.

Nat & Kat
Friends
Age: Nat (31) & Kat (35)
Occupation: Doctors
Hometown: Nat (Scottsdale, AZ) & Kat (Santa Monica, CA)

Nat
Favorite hobbies: Scuba diving, skiing and traveling
Achievements: Becoming a doctor
Lifelong to do list: Cage dive with great white sharks, take pilot lessons, finish a triathlon, establish a comprehensive pain rehabilitation center, write a book and learn how to speak Spanish.
What scares you most about traveling? Not having access to medical care
What excites you most about traveling? Traveling will give me the opportunity to see new places, learn about different cultures and grow as a person
If I could switch places with someone: The Dalai Lama or Heidi Klum
Role model/hero: My Dad. He is the kindest person I know.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about helping people live the best possible life.
What would you do if you won the million dollars? If we were to win the million dollars, I would donate money to support challenged athletes and to support the search for a cure for Diabetes. I would pay off my debts from medical school and I would buy a baby blue vintage Bronco with the top chopped off.
People would be surprised to learn: I am absolutely terrified of heights.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Belize
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: We went to get our backpack for the Race and we could not find Kat's car in the parking garage afterwards. We were in the completely wrong parking structure. Navigation might be our biggest challenge.
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to gain personal satisfaction from traveling, meet new people and represent strong, career oriented females.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Kat is so perfect! I don't have a pet peeve.

Kat
Favorite hobbies: Cycling, traveling and eating
Achievements: The biggest achievement for me was completing medical school and residency - both of which did not come easy for me.
Lifelong to do list: Learn to scuba dive, surf and cook; have a rewarding career where I am proud of my work; live a healthy and balanced life; have a loving family; run the New York City marathon; remember to live in the present
What scares you most about traveling? Getting sick
What excites you most about traveling? Meeting new people and seeing/experiencing new things - that makes me reflect and learn something new about myself.
If I could switch places with someone: Maybe only for one day, I would switch with a comedian like Chelsea Handler. She's hysterical and what a great skill to be able to make an entire room erupt in laughter.
Role model/hero: I'm inspired by a lot of people -- especially strong, successful women. Thanks to all the female physicians before who paved the way for my generation of doctors.
What are you passionate about? Travel, love and good food
What would you do if you won the million dollars? Donate to charity, pay off part of my medical school loans and bring some loved ones on a sweet vacation
People would be surprised to learn: I'm very sensitive and emotional.
Favorite place you have ever visited: Bali
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on the Race together: Having to adjust to not being in control of our daily schedules
What do you hope to accomplish by running the Race (other then winning one million bucks)? I hope to have a fun adventure. One million dollars would also help make a huge dent in my enormous student loans.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She tends to show up late for things (fashionably of course).