How many teams start the season?
The first season featured eleven teams, each consisting of two contestants with an existing relationship.
What is a Detour?
A Detour offers teams a choice of two different tasks. One may be quicker or easier; teams decide which to attempt before moving on.
What is a Roadblock?
A Roadblock is a single‑person challenge that only one team member can complete, based on a brief clue about the task.
What is a Fast Forward?
A Fast Forward allows one team to skip all remaining tasks on that leg and go straight to the next pit stop, but it can only be claimed once per season.
How are elimination legs determined?
Most legs end with a pit stop where teams are ranked by arrival time. The last team is usually eliminated, unless the leg is marked as non‑elimination.
What happens to eliminated teams?
Eliminated teams are flown to the next pit stop or sent to a temporary resort known as “Sequesterville,” where they wait for the final race.
How long does the season last?
The first season spanned roughly three months, running from September to December 2001, with 13 episodes covering 12 legs.
Is travel fully funded?
Contestants receive a small stipend for travel, meals, and accommodations, but they are responsible for the majority of their expenses.
Can teams use personal devices?
No. Phones, GPS devices, and other personal electronics are prohibited during the race to maintain fairness.
How does a team find the next location?
After completing a task, teams receive an envelope containing a clue that often references a specific location or requires a local search.
What is a Yield?
A Yield station lets a team force another team to wait a predetermined amount of time before continuing the race.
What is a U‑Turn?
After a Detour, a team may use a U‑Turn station to force another team to return and complete the other Detour option.
How many legs are in the first season?
There were twelve legs in season one, each culminating in a pit stop.
Who hosted the first season?
Phil Keoghan, a New Zealander, served as the host and provided commentary throughout the race.
What is the prize for the winning team?
The first team to arrive at the final pit stop wins a $1 million cash prize.
Were there any non‑elimination legs?
Yes, a few legs in the season were designated as non‑elimination, allowing the last team to stay in the race.
What types of challenges were included?
Challenges ranged from solving riddles and counting tasks to physically demanding activities like climbing or swimming.
Did any teams use the Fast Forward?
Only one team could claim a Fast Forward during the entire season, and it was used strategically to gain an advantage.
Where did the final leg finish?
The final pit stop for season one was in Los Angeles, California.
Were the locations predetermined?
Yes, the route and destinations were pre‑planned by producers, but teams had to discover them through clues.
Can fans watch the race live?
Episodes aired weekly on CBS, and viewers could follow the race in real time via the official website during the season.
Is the first season available on streaming platforms?
Season one is available for streaming on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Are the contestants strangers or friends?
Most teams were friends or couples; the format encourages existing relationships to test teamwork under stress.
What is the purpose of a pit stop?
Pit stops give teams a brief rest, provide the next clue, and serve as the point of elimination.
How many episodes were produced for season one?
The first season consisted of 13 episodes, covering 12 legs.