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Amazon Original Series from Mark Burnett World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji reveals 66 global teams from 30 countries competing in the ultimate expedition challenge
The Epic 10-Episode Series Produced By MGM Television and Hosted and Executive Produced by Bear Grylls along with Lisa Hennessy,
Eric Van Wagenen, and Mark Burnett
Premieres Worldwide in 2020 on Amazon Prime Video
CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 1, 2019 - Amazon Prime Video announced today that 66 teams from 30 countries will be competing in World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji. The series is hosted and executive produced by Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild, Running Wild), and from executive producers Lisa Hennessy (Eco-Challenge, The Biggest Loser), Eric Van Wagenen (Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Apprentice), and Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Voice, Shark Tank). Renowned as epic, gritty and unpredictable, the race will take place in Fiji this fall. The human drama, produced by MGM Television, will be captured in a 10-episode series to premiere worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in 2020.
World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji is the ultimate expedition race in which teams will race non-stop, 24 hours a day, across hundreds of miles of rugged backcountry terrain complete with mountains, jungles and oceans. Each race team is comprised of four competitors, including at least one member of the opposite sex, and one assistant crewmember that will be helping their team from base camp. Each team will race under a single country flag while making their way through some of the most impenetrable terrain Fiji has to offer.
The race will encompass a variety of non-motorized forms of transportation and other various challenges including outrigger paddling, mountain biking, rappelling, climbing, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, and canyoneering, which teams must pass assessment tests in. Navigation must be done with a map and compass only and teams will be required to use expedition problem-solving skills in their quest to the finish line. If any team member quits or is unable to complete the race, the entire team will be disqualified. Only teams that can work together under extreme stress and fatigue have any hope of reaching the finish.
"Challenging oneself in the outdoors is as relevant today as it was 25 years ago when Eco-Challenge began. It’s the ultimate test of human spirit, teamwork and honoring our planet,” said Mark Burnett, Chairman, Worldwide Television Group MGM. “I can’t wait to see the drama unfold as these teams test themselves beyond what they ever thought possible.”
“The Fiji course is truly epic. It’s incredibly demanding and will force our competitors far out of their comfort zone as they race against themselves, their competitors and the fiercest elements of mother-nature,” said Executive Producer and Host Bear Grylls. “Only the teams that work together can ever hope of making it to the finish line.”
Executive Producer Lisa Hennessy, who has worked alongside Mark Burnett on all eight prior Eco-Challenge races from 1995 through to 2002 adds, “The race in Fiji is the biggest and most exciting Eco-Challenge production to date. The course is a staggering 417 miles (672Kms) with a record 330 + athletes participating. We also have a record 35 camera crews capturing the action, in addition to drone and state-of-the-art handheld gyro cameras that will film in areas previously impossible to reach. We’ll be filming in 4K HDR, ensuring that the series is unparalleled in quality.”
"The backstories of the athletes are what will be truly inspiring," said Van Wagenen "Not everyone will win - or even finish the race, but following them throughout this grueling competition and sharing their triumphs and setbacks along the way will make very compelling television.”
“As a global platform, we’re excited to be telling stories of perseverance and triumph as these teams face the challenges that the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji has to offer,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mark Burnett, Bear Grylls, Lisa Hennessey, Eric Van Wagenen and the entire creative team who all have a love for this race and will be helping to tell these teams’ powerful and inspiring stories for our Amazon Prime Video customers.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF TEAMS PARTICIPATING:
- Team Khukuri Warriors, which includes 28 year-old sisters from India who are racing for gender equality. These sisters are also the first set of twins and South Asians to complete the Explorers Grand Slam (7 Summits, North & South Pole).
- A team of veteran racers who competed in all nine seasons of Eco-Challenge, now returning as grandparents.
- A team of Wounded Warriors who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- The world’s youngest expedition racer to compete in the Adventure Racing World Series at the age of 17, who holds three world records.
- A team of Ironman athletes including “The Iron Cowboy” who gained notoriety for completing 50 Ironmans in 50 states in 50 days.
Teams are racing to raise awareness to a variety of causes, including but not limited to: breast cancer, military veterans, equal pay, and Alzheimer’s disease.
SOCIAL HANDLES:
Twitter: @ToughRaceTV
Instagram: @ToughRaceTV
Facebook: @AmazonPrimeVideo
Hashtag: #WorldsToughestRace
TEAMS CURRENTLY CONFIRMED TO RACE INCLUDE:
Team Outlab Argentina (Argentina)
Passionate about the health of the planet, Team Outlab Argentina loves the earth, water, sun and wind.
Competitors: Alejandro Eugenio Kuryluk (TC), Ignacio Raigoso, Silvina Bedecarras, Leonardo Yozzi, Fabian Cordiviola (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamOutlabArgentina
Team Tierra Viva (Argentina)
Team Tierra Viva is an Argentine team formed by two friends marriages including couples. They all work in activities related to mountain, tourism, and the organization of sporting events.
Competitors: Guri Aznarez (TC), Veronica Astete, Juan Diego Lotz, Soledad Ermosilla, Dr. Marcelo Parada (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTierraViva
Team 2nd Chance (Australia)
With a strong adventure racing background, Team 2nd Chance consists of Australian expedition racers and a husband and wife duo.
Competitors: Deanna Blegg (TC), Maria Plyashechko, Sergey Kurvo, Darren Clarke, Gavin Allen (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #Team2ndChance
Team Aussie Rescue (Australia)
A team made up of paramedics, firefighters, special ops & social impact entrepreneurs, Team Aussie Rescue will maintain their fun Aussie banter and uncomfortable honesty which will get them through the dark to the Eco-Challenge finish line.
Competitors: Samantha Gash (TC), Morgan Coull, Mark Wales, Jarrod Mitchell, Joshua Lynott (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamAussieRescue
Team Gippsland Adventure (Australia)
Team Gippsland Adventure is made up of experienced orienteers, runners and adventure racers. They have been friends for years, but this is the first time that they will all be racing together as one team.
Competitors: Rob Preston (TC), Kathryn Preston, Tim Boote, Aaron Prince, Patrick Howlett (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamGippslandAdventure
Team Mad Mayrs (Australia)
This family team consists of two brothers, one cousin and an honorary family member who were born and bred in Australia and have shared a lifetime of adventures together from around the world.
Competitors: Tyson Mayr (TC), Elijah Mayr, Nick Mayr, Courtney Home, Chris Dixon (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamMadMayrs
Team Thunderbolt AR (Australia)
Team Thunderbolt AR is a group of donut loving, joke telling, trash talking friends (and twin sisters) who have raced with or against each other for many years fighting for the top step of the podium in the Australian adventure racing scene.
Competitors: Dave Schloss (TC), Bernadette Dornom, Elizabeth Dornom, Leo Theoharis, Jan Leverton (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamThunderboltAR
Team To-Get-Ther (Belgium)
Team To-Get-Ther hails from Belgium and like to push themselves to the limit, whilst enjoying nature and each other no matter what.
Competitors: Ludo Kaethoven (TC), Debby Urkens, Katrien Aerts, Jurgen Frtizz De Grauwe, Roger Urkens (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTogether
Team Atenah Brasil (Brazil)
With a friendship spanning over 21 years, Team Atenah Brasil has traveled, lived and raced together in two Eco-Challenges, but unfortunately, one member fell ill and they had to exit the race. They are back in hopes to redeem themselves in Fiji.
Competitors: Shubi-Silvia Guimares (TC), Karina Bacha Lefevre, Nora Audre, Jose Caputo, Jose Pupo (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamAtenahBrasil
Team Vidaraid Adventure (Brazil)
Team Vidaraid Adventure is an international adventure racing team based in the USA, Spain and Brazil. Individually, they compete in mountain biking, ultra trail running, triathlons, kayaking and every type of orienteering race.
Competitors: Marco Amselem Rossini (TC), Urtiz Iglesias, Guilherme Pahl, Camila Nicolau, Artiz Bilbao Guerrero (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamVidaraidAdventure
Team Atlas (Canada)
Team Atlas hails from Canada and expedition racing is their way to discover the unique places they want to visit around the world.
Competitors: Alexandre Provost (TC), Karine Corbell, Lars Bukkehave, Mark Sky, Tessa Jennison (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamAtlas
Team Canada Adventure (Canada)
A group of mostly Canadian world-class ultra-endurance athletes & adventurers, the team includes an obstacle course racing legend, 4x Adventure Racing World Series Event Winner, a Spartan Pro Team member, and a mountain biker & orienteerer.
Competitors: Bob Miller (TC), Ryan Atkins, Scott Ford, Rea Kolbl, Wayne Leek (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCanadaAdventure
Team Peak Pursuit (Canada)
Team Peak Pursuit is a group of wildland Firefighters from British Columbia, Canada. Having spent many seasons fighting wildfires together, they have formed an extremely tight group who have worked, lived, and played together.
Competitors: Benjamin Kwiatkowski (TC), Thomas Hardy, Elora Van Jarrett, Jasper Edge, Laura Lejune (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamPeakPursuit
Team True North (Canada)
Team True North is a father-daughter, father-son team from central Canada. Both fathers were part of the original True North squad that was the only Canadian team to finish Eco-Challenge Argentina in 1999.
Competitors: Alex Man (TC), Rebecca Man, Philip Roadley, Logan Roadley, Jason Gillespie (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTrueNorth
Team Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
Team Costa Rica is made up of 5 friends who share a profound connection with nature and an innate desire for exploring. Racing Eco-Challenge has been a lifelong dream for all of them.
Competitors: Eduardo Baldioceda (TC), Sergio Sanchez, Gerhard Linner, Veronica Bravo, Eric Cano (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCostaRica
Team Czech (Czech Republic)
Team Czech is a team of adventure-addicted outdoor lovers who are happiest when they are racing through the unknown and undiscovered. They know their strong friendship will help them overcome any obstacles on the course and across the finish line.
Competitors: Jan Cisar (TC), Pavel Paloncy, Tereza Rudolfova, Jan Obuskevic, Libor Kriz (TAC)
TeamHashtag: #TeamCzech
Team Eco DXB (Dubai)
Team Eco DXB competitors have a combined strong level of experience and skill set that is perfectly geared to compete on an extreme level.
Competitors: Emma Taylor (TC), Khalifa Algharfi, Ali Monguno, Ivana Kolaric, Peter Langley (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEcoDXB
Team Epic Ecuador (Ecuador)
An unlikely mix of ages, backgrounds and experience make up this team: two professional mountaineers, one triathlete and one very determined housewife. Epic Ecuador teammates share the belief that teamwork, perseverance and a sense of humor will pull them through just about any obstacle.
Competitors: Amber Laree de Freire (TC), Oswaldo (Ossy) Freire, Diana Artete, Pablo Sandoval, Paul Guerra (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEpicEcuador
Team Estonian ACE (Estonia)
Team Estonian ACE is a team who all have strong navigation backgrounds. Trekking over pathless terrain is their preferred type of adventure racing.
Competitors: Silver Eensaar (TC), Timmo Tammemae, Reeda Tuula-Fjodorov, Rain Eensaar, Arthur Raichmann (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEstonianACE
Team Namako (Fiji)
Team Namako encompasses Fijian locals and one Australian who are all current/former athletes and have the hometown advantage by having this amazing adventure hosted in their backyard.
Competitors: Alivate Logavatu (TC), Petero Manoa, Eroni Takape, Kim Beckinsale, Courtney Nicole Kruse (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamNamako
Team Tabu Soro (Fiji)
Team Tabu Soro loosely translates to “Never Give Up” and this is what they must find within each other and as a team in order to cross the finish line while pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits.
Competitors: Uri Kurop (TC), Adam Wade, William Simpson, Anna Cowley, Semiti Tuitoga (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTabuSoro
Team France Expenature (France)
Made up of four experienced adventure racers, Team France Expenature is made up of three experienced adventure guides including a trekking expert, a veteran of Eco-Challenge, and a member who has raced across the globe.
Competitors: Romy “Romulad” Viale (TC), Daphne Derouch, Calais Jean Baptiste, Benjamin Midena, Philippe Marchegay (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamFranceExpenature
Team Hombres D'Maiz (Guatemala)
Team Hombres D'Maiz was formed in 1999 and has since competed all over the world in sprint, stage and expedition length adventure races after being inspired to start adventure racing from the first Eco-Challenge.
Competitors: Netzer Quan (TC), Andres Duante, Gabriela Molina, Sebastian Lancho, Leopoldo Bolanes (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamHombresDMaiz
Team Khukuri Warriors (India)
Team Khukuri Warriors (India) Team Khukuri Warriors is the first team from India to join Eco-Challenge.Led by twin sisters from Dehradun (India), who by 23 years of age defied gender stereotypes to reach the world’s highest and farthest points – Mt Everest, the North Pole and the South Pole – and became the first twins to climb Everest, as well as the Seven Summits. They will be joined by a mountain climbing, skiing and rafting expert, doctor and their father, who was a former Colonel in the Indian Army.
Competitors: Tashi Malik (TC), Nungshi Malik, Brandon Fisher, Praveen Singh Rangar, Col VS Malik (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamKhukuriWarriors
Team Ireland AR (Ireland)
A team of endurance athletes from Ireland and the United States who came together after they heard the legend of Eco-Challenge Fiji 2019 was back.
Competitors: Rob Heffernan (TC), Jason Black, Mark Lattanzi, Rachel Nolan, Ivan Park (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamIrelandAR
Team Israel (Israel)
Team Israel is back 18 years after competing in Eco-Challenge New Zealand. The team consists of a world champion sailor and Olympic coach of the Israel sailing team, a long distance swimmer, runner and Ironman athlete, mountaineer, explorer, adventurer and Eco-Challenge veteran, and a long-time ultra-endurance athlete.
Competitors: Elad Benjamin (TC), Daniel Keren, Ben Enosh, Linur Krigel Tsarfati, Amit Weiner (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamIsrael
Team Freemind Italia (Italy)
Team Freemind Italia is a mix of friends and family with an unbeatable combination of experience and enthusiasm whose goal is leaving Eco-Challenge full of new experiences, knowledge, and memories.
Competitors: Marco Ponteri (TC), Clelia Ponteri, Beppe Scotti, Telemaco Murgia, Tiziano Murgia (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamFreemindItalia
Team East Wind (Japan)
Team East Wind has been racing since 1996 and won the special spirit award at Eco-Challenge 1998.
Competitors: Masato Tanaka (TC), Machiko Nishii, Koki Yasuda, Akira Yonemoto, Masayuki Takahata (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEastWind
Team Teenek Mexico (Mexico)
Team Teenek Mexico is an adventure racing team founded 8 year ago in Hidalgo, Mexico to compete in the AR World Series.
Competitors: Jorge Mendiola (TC), Ulises Gonzalez, Tomas Perez, Kathryn Morland, Fransico Mendiola (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTeenekMexico
Team Tollocan Mexico (Mexico)
Team Tollocan Mexico is always hungry for a challenging adventure and are looking forward to experiencing Eco-Challenge first-hand.
Competitors: Alejandro Carretero (TC), Yara Borbon, Fernando Villicana, Jorge Pavon, Adolfo Vela (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTollocanMexico
Team Checkpoint Hunters (Netherlands)
Team Checkpoint Hunters are out to seek the ultimate adventure, get a bit crazy, and play outside.
Competitors: Tom Oude Nijhuis (TC), Nienke Veenman, Wouter Neven, Rene Wolkorte, Tim Teutelink (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCheckpointHunters
Team New Zealand (New Zealand)
Team New Zealand is a group of friends looking forward to adventuring through Fiji.
Competitors: Nathan Fa’avee (TC) , Sophie Hart, Stuart Lynch, Chris Forne, Mark Rayward (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamNewZealand
Team Tiki Tour (New Zealand)
Team Tiki Tour is a group of Kiwi’s that take on ‘Tiki Tours’ in rugged alpine terrain and although the alps are vastly different to the terrain they will experience in the Fijian tropics, they are up for the challenge.
Competitors: Tom Lucas (TC), Micheal Kelly, Joanna Williams, George Lucas, Jeremy Warnock (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTikiTour
Team Science Winning (Russia)
Eco-Challenge’s first team from Russia is Team Science Winning. The team is a group of friends that consists of a husband and wife duo, a professional photographer, ultra-runner and world traveler.
Competitors: Eduard Khalilov (TC), Evgeniya Khalilov, Viktor Sherstiuk, Valeriy Cherkasov, Vyacheslav Obrazstov (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamScienceWinning
Team Meridianoraid Spain (Spain)
A group of friends that have been heavily involved in the world of adventure racing for decades by both competing and organizing races.
Competitors: Antonio de la Rosa Suarez (TC), Jesus Bermejo, Pablo Samper, Lucia Funes Mendez, Luis Cabrera (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamMeridianoraidSpain
Team Summit (Spain)
Team Summit is made up of a group of people who have a broad experience in expedition races. This will be the first time Team Summit races together as a team in 10 years.
Competitors: Emma Roca (TC), Jukka Pinola, Fran Lopez Costoya, Albert Roca Velazquez, David Rovira Roqueta (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamSummit
Team Cyanosis (South Africa)
Team Cyanosis is a team that has truly stood the test of time. Two of the members have been racing together for over 16 years and will be joined by two other very experienced and highly capable adventure racers.
Competitors: Clinton Mackintosh (TC), Nicholas Mulder, Sarah Fairmaid Clarke, Darren Barry, Steven Burnett (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCyanosis
Team Swedeforce (Sweden)
All connected by the Swedish Army, Team Swedeforce’s goal is to bring military tactics and strategies onto Eco-Challenge because they are racing for soldiers and officers that will be watching proudly as they compete under the Swedish flag.
Competitors: John Karlsson (TC) , Malin Hjalmarsson, Emil Dahlqvist, Oskar Svärd, Johan Lilja (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamSwedeforce
Team Turk (Turkey)
Team Turk includes a mix of past Eco-Challenge competitors. The team includes brothers, a 3x Eco-Challenge veteran, a football player & national wrestling champion, and former fitness instructor who loves the mountains.
Runners: Serdar KIlic (TC), Kenan Saran, Mike Saran, Eliska Hudcova, Andac Guven (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamTurk
Team UK Adventurers (United Kingdom)
Inspired by the first season of Eco-Challenge, Team UK Adventurers has lots of racing experience and wants to find out if Eco-Challenge is as tough as it gets and hopefully will inspire others to join the world of adventure racing.
Competitors: Kevin Stephens (TC), Joseph Selby, Nathalie Long, Tim Stephens, Gill Watson (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamUKAdventurers
Team Chips Adventure (Uruguay)
Team Chips Adventure all met working in computer science. From the computer point of view, a chip is an integrated circuit, specially designed to fulfill a specific job. Like a chip, each member of the team "works" supports and helps others to achieve a common goal together.
Competitors: Nicolas Davyt (TC), Luis Enrique Gomez, David Vega, Alejandra Isabella, Ernesto Parra (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamChipsAdventure
Team Uruguay Natural (Uruguay)
Uruguay Natural has been racing together for almost 21 years and has competed in 2 Eco-Challenges. The team is racing because in their opinion adventure racing is the best feeling a person can have, surrounded by wild nature and powerful rival teams.
Competitors: Ruben Mandure (TC), Fredrica Frontini, Gonzalo Smaldone, Thiago Bonini, Laura Moratorio (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamUruguayNatural
Team Able Abels (USA):
Team Able Abels consists of an Eco-Challenge Fiji 2002 veteran who is returning 17 years later, with his two daughters, an experienced navigator, and his wife as the Team Assistant Crew.
Competitors: Dan Abel (TC), Ashley Abel, Lauren Abel, Fletcher Hammel, Allison Abel (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamAbleAbels
Team AR Georgia (USA):
Team AR Georgia consists of a father & son duo, experienced adventure racers AND the world’s youngest expedition racer and three-time World Record holder.
Competitors: Thomas Ambrose (TC), Katie Ferrington, Jeff Leininger, Hunter Leininger, Jeni Mcneal (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamARGeorgia
Team Bend Racing (USA):
Team Bend Racing is an eclectic mix of circus acrobats, yoga teachers, and helicopter pilots but all have recently embarked on the greatest "adventure" of them all - parenthood.
Competitors: Jason Magness (TC), Melissa Coombes, Stephen Thomas, Daniel Staudigel, Darren Steinbach (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamBendRacing
Team Bones Adventure (USA)
Bones Adventure consists of two amazing female athletes, and two veteran male racers. All four placed 9th at Eco-Challenge Fiji 2002 and the team is looking to improve (and survive again) this year.
Competitors: Roy Malone (TC), Mari Chandlar, Charles Triponez, Jen Segger, David Egbert (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamBonesAdventure
Team Canyoneros (USA)
Team Canyoneros is made up of 4 passionate video game makers and an animal lover who, after racing for the last seven years, are still looked at as the underdogs everyone loves to root for.
Competitors: HIen Nguyen (TC), Greg Watson, Nathan Whitaker, Lena Mcknight, Steven Geer (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCanyoneros
Team Checkpoint Zero (USA)
Team Checkpoint Zero are close friends who have been racing together for over six years, love to push their physical limits, and hail from Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan.
Competitors: Shane Hagerman (TC), Christopher Von Ins, Peter Jolles, Michele Hobson, Micheal Seroczynski (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCheckpointZero
Team Curl (USA)
A beach volleyball player and a professional soccer player team up with a teacher, an ultra-runner, and a paramedic to inspire others, especially curly haired folks, to challenge themselves and explore the world.
Competitors: Jennifer Hemmen (TC), Justin Smith, Brett Gravlin, Steven Lenhart, Jeff Failers (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamCurl
Team Eagle Scouts (USA)
Boy Scouts of America's Team Eagle Scouts is made up of 5 individuals, 5 different life stories, decades of leadership and outdoor experience with the same connection: a life in Scouting and all achieving the highest award in their respective Scouting program. The team includes a polar expedition guide, mountain climber, professional snowboarder, an ultramarathon runner and outdoor educator & conservationist.
Competitors: Eric Lillistorm (TC), Matthew Moniz, Katie Hancock, Corey Mullins, Charley Walton (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEagleScouts
Team Endure (USA)
Team Endure toes the line at Eco-Challenge Fiji 2002 to celebrate living fully, persevering in the face of adversity, and the foundational importance of friends and family. They are experienced adventure racers with past finishes at Eco-Challenge and similar events.
Competitors: Travis Macy (TC), Mark Macy, Danelle Ballengee, Shane Sigle, Andrew Speers (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamEndure
Team Flying J (USA)
Since participating in Eco-Challenge Fiji 2002 adventure has remained a huge part of this teams lives. The team is racing in memory of Dianette’s son: Johnny Strange.
Competitors: Dianette Wells , Guy LaRocque, Harald Zundel, Blain Reeves, Brian Johnson (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamFlyingJ
Team Iron Cowboy (USA)
Team Iron Cowboy means sacrifice, persistence, and resilience — a team forged by friendship with a thirst for fun and adventure. This team is grateful to be competing against the best in the world and you won’t be able to wipe the smile off their faces.
Competitors: Sonja Wieck (TC), James Lawrence, Shaun Christian, Aaron Hopkinson, Joe Morton (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamIronCowboy
Team Nika (USA)
Team Nika is made up of CrossFit and Jiu-Jitsu fanatics which includes: CrossFit and ultramarathon athletes, a gym owner, a firefighter, a spartan racer and football coach. They are racing in memory of their close friend Brad Strickland.
Competitors: Jeffery Bates (TC), Kara Haun, Ashley Andrews, John Bender, Keira Galan (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamNika
Team Onyx (USA)
Team Onyx will be the first entirely African-American adventure racing team to compete on the global stage. The team features a mixture of gay and straight athletes made up of seasoned adventure racer and former Marine, former Navy SEAL and Crossfit gym owner, a record holding ultra-marathoner, skilled ultra endurance mountain biker and a filmmaker and former basketball player.
Competitors: Clifton Lyles (TC), Corree Aussem-Woltering, Samantha Scipio, Chirss Smith, Mikayla Lyless (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamOnyx
Team Out There (USA)
Team Out There is a team of endurance sport junkies and experienced adventure racers, with a combined total of 5 Eco-Challenge wins.
Competitors: Mike Kloser (TC), Josiah Middaugh, Gretchen Reeves, Gordon Townsend, Neil Jones (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamOutThere
Team Peak Traverse (USA)
Team Peak Traverse is a ragtag group of survivors, marathoners and trekkers whose combined experience will take them far in the race.
Competitors: Ryan Opray (TC), Tim Cannard, Mikayla Wingle, Daniel Bussius, Stephen Morrow (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamPeakTraverse
Team Regulators (USA)
Team Regulators, from Northern California, is comprised of members with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Their respective communities have been through a lot in recent years including a fire that devastated their community. From fire to ice, they have endured it all, and will continue to do whatever is needed to rebuild and come back stronger than before.
Competitors: Steven Bell (TC), Joshua Watkins, Heather Gustafson, Crista Jorgensen, Jason Hull (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamRegulators
Team Stray Dogs (USA)
With an average age of almost 66 years old, and a combined 26 Eco-Challenge races, the Stray Dogs are the oldest team, and one of the most experienced.
Competitors: Marshall Ulrich (TC), Adrian Crane, Bob Haugh, Nancy Bristow, Heather Ulrich (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamStrayDogs
Team Strong Machine (USA)
With a goal to get to the finish line with closer family bonds than when they started, Team Strong Machine is composed of a father, son, wife and friends.
Competitors: Cliff White (TC), Kate White, Starker White, Micheal Garrison, John McInnes (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamStrongMachine
Team Sundance Kids (USA)
Team Sundance Kids are family-first people with the irrational expectation that their adventures in the mountains, snow and deserts of Utah have adequately prepared them for the humid jungles and salty oceans of Fiji.
Competitors: Chase McMillian (TC), Scott Ward, Sylvia Greer, Aaron Smith, Jason Serman (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamSundanceKids
Team Super Fighters (USA)
Team Super Fighters are racing together as best friends but adventure racing unknowingly prepared them to face physical obstacles that could have claimed their lives but were no match for them.
Competitors: Heather Flebb (TC), Cary Flebbe, Sean Martin, Micheal Nicolaides, Danny Trudeau (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamSuperFighters
Team Unbroken (USA)
Working their way through combat disabilities, wounds and internal struggles, Team Unbroken is a team of veterans and civilians who are racing to remind themselves, and others that you may be wounded, but you remain unbroken.
Competitors: Hal Riley (TC), Gretchen Evans, Dr. Anne Bailey, Keith Mitchell Knoop, Cale Yarborough (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamUnbroken
Team US Military (USA)
With decades of combined military and adventure racing experience, Team US Military has been dreaming about the possibility of competing in Eco-Challenge since the first season.
Competitors: Joshua Forester (TC), Caitlin Thorn, Jesse Tubb, Jesse Sprangler, Kevin Howser (TAC)
Team Hashtag: #TeamUSMilitary
***
The revival of Eco-Challenge brings Burnett’s career full circle, after first bringing Eco-Challenge to TV in 1995 and every subsequent year through 2002. The series earned Burnett his first Emmy®.
Grylls, who will host and executive produce, starred in seven seasons of the Discovery Channel’s Emmy® Award-nominated Man vs. Wild television series, which was one of the most-watched shows of all time reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers. He currently stars in and produces the hit NBC prime-time series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, as well as Netflix’s You vs. Wild.
Burnett, Grylls, Hennessy and Eric Van Wagenen will executive produce along with Delbert Shoopman, Grylls’ producing partner. Key members of the team, who were also part of Burnett’s original Eco-Challenge, include the immensely experienced adventure crewmembers Race Technical Director Scott Flavelle and Race Director Kevin Hodder.
About MGM Television:
MGM Television is a leading producer and global distributor of premium content for television and digital platforms, with distribution rights to original productions and a robust catalogue of television episodes and feature film titles including such premiere entertainment franchises as James Bond, Rocky, Stargate and The Hobbit trilogy. Current scripted and unscripted projects include Fargo (FX); Vikings (HISTORY); The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu); Get Shorty (EPIX); The Voice (NBC); Survivor (CBS); Shark Tank (ABC); TKO: Total Knock Out (CBS); Beat Shazam (FOX); Lucha Underground (The El Rey Network); The Contender (EPIX) and Condor (AT&T AUDIENCE Network); and through its distribution entity, Orion TV Productions, the syndicated daytime courtroom series Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court and Couples Court with The Cutlers. In addition, MGM owns Evolution Media, the innovative unscripted television producers of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules, and Botched (E!). MGM’s television programming regularly airs in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About Bear Grylls Ventures:
Bear Grylls Ventures (BGV) is a management and production company based out of the UK. BGV manages all television, film, books, licensing and endorsement deals for Bear Grylls. The goal of the company is, as a team, to inspire and encourage men, women, boys & girls, to listen to their adventure selves - to get out there and go climb their mountains, to break some rules, to go the extra mile in all they do, to protect those who are struggling and to walk the path less trodden. BGV stands for the positive, the kind & the quietly courageous. We know that those that endure are those that win. Visit www.beargrylls.com
About Amazon Prime Video:
Prime Video is a premium streaming service that offers customers a vast collection of digital videos—all with the ease of finding what they love to watch in one place.
- Included with Prime: Watch thousands of popular movies and TV shows, including our critically-acclaimed Amazon Originals including the Emmy Award-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Homecoming, Hanna, Fleabag, Good Omens, Donald Glover’s Guava Island, the Academy Award-winning Manchester by the Sea and The Salesman, Academy Award-nominated The Big Sick and Cold War, and the critically-acclaimed Beautiful Boy, exclusives, live sports and licensed and self-published content available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
- Watch more with Prime Video Channels: Prime members can add 150+ channels in the US like HBO, Cinemax, STARZ, SHOWTIME, CBS All Access —no extra apps to download, and no cable required. Only pay for the ones you want, and cancel anytime. View the full list of channels available at amazon.com/channels.
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About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
For Amazon Prime Video:
Kristen Hall
kristen.hall@amazonstudios.com
424.532.2791
For MGM Studios:
Clare Anne Darragh / Frank PR
clareanne@frankpublicity.com
646.861.0843
- World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji | Season 1