Retired CAF Team Compete in Amazing Race Canada

Earlier this month Amazing Race Canada kicked off on Wednesday, July 8, where teams are discovering some of Canada’s most stunning and interesting landscapes.

One team participating in season 3 is comprised of married couple, Brian and Cynthia Boyd, both retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

“Our military training is definitely helping us in the race. From the start, during our application process, we had to meet timings, deadlines, be administratively sound and very thorough,” explained Cynthia Boyd.

Teams are seeing never before featured locations, including breathtaking views from the tops of mountains, a vast valley of plains, a basin of mineral deposits, radiant seaport vistas, and the stunning shores of a unique island.

Also, for a second year in a row, teams need to keep their passport handy as they race through some exotic foreign destinations.

Season 3 of the most-watched Canadian television show in history kicked off in one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in North America, Québec City.

The 12 teams began their epic journey in the historic and picturesque city of Old Québec in front of one of the most photographed hotels in the world, the Chateau Frontenac.

After their first challenge, teams then travel to Canada’s largest city, Toronto, where they completed their first roadblock of the season.

Up for grabs are the hugely coveted grand prize including, a $250,000 cash payout, gas for life from Petro-Canada, the opportunity to fly for a year anywhere Air Canada flies worldwide in Business Class, and two Chevrolet Colorado trucks.

This prize package is the largest grand prize ever awarded for a Canadian competition series. There are also pit stop prizes to be won throughout the series. These are awarded to teams courtesy of Air Canada and Petro-Canada,

Big prizes mean a lot is expected of the teams in season three. Right out of the gate, the mental and physical abilities of the teams were tested, and they came face-to-face with their fears.

“The CAF taught us the Warrior Spirit too. Our combined training in the CAF is assisting us in applying our Warrior Spirit during every competition. Nothing is too hard to overcome, no matter how adverse the conditions,” said Cynthia.

The Amazing Race Canada will also visit the vibrant, bustling country of India. As the world’s second most populated country, teams experience India’s diverse culture and endure extreme environments.

The Indian community in Canada has a rich history spanning more than a century. Starting with just a few immigrants landing ashore in Vancouver in the early 1900’s, Indo-Canadians now comprise one of Canada’s largest immigrant communities.

“Being part of the Amazing Race Canada season three is an epic adventure, a journey, a once in a lifetime opportunity anyone would enjoy, especially as husband and wife,” said Brian Boyd.

Brian retired as a Chief Warrant Officer after serving in the Infantry, as the Regimental Sergeant Major of both the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.

Brian also completed two peacekeeping missions overseas, UNFICYP and UNPROFOR, augmented with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry and he served in domestic operations in Canada. He proudly served Canada as a reservist for 27 years.

Cynthia retired as an infantry corporal, having served in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

Cynthia participated in the opening of the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France and participated in a number of infantry exercises in Canada and the United States.

Cynthia was selected to return to Normandy France on separate occasions to represent her unit during D-Day celebrations. She proudly served Canada as a reservist for 16 years.

Both Brian and Cynthia are currently police officers with the Winnipeg Police Service.

Season 2 of the Amazing Race Canada was the most-watched television program in Canada last summer and the second most-watched program of the entire broadcast year with an average audience of 2.8 million viewers.

To learn more about the Amazing Race Canada visit their website.

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