TEAM 1: Hoskote and Naina Venkatesh (Father/Daughter)

Name: Hoskote Venkatesh
Age: 60
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Father

Current occupation: ER Doctor
Describe what you do: I take care of acute medical, surgical and traumatic emergencies. I’m also involved in the teaching of medical residents.
Three words to describe you: Decisive, resourceful and reliable.
Favorite hobbies: Traveling, acting (Shakespearean Theater) and hiking (Naina is training with me to trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro).
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m most proud of my children, who have grown up to be well-educated, cultured, confident young people. Most importantly, they are good, honest citizens who I would love to have as my friends if they were not my children.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Hugh Grant – suave, sophisticated and debonair.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Mila Kunis – cute, vivacious, talented and fun-loving.
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing about traveling really scares me. I do realize, however, that one must be careful, and I take sensible precautions for health and safety. The thrill of traveling is in venturing into and exploring unfamiliar places.
What excites you most about traveling? Traveling excites me because it allows me to venture into and explore unfamiliar places and cultures. I gain new perspectives into people, places and things.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: As an ER physician, I am accustomed to making final decisions which must be implemented immediately without questions. Given that temperament, I am not always receptive to others’ thoughts and ideas. It is my hope to change that by being more open to Naina’s thoughts and ideas, which admittedly are sometimes better than mine!
Pet peeve about your teammate: She buys too many clothes, which I think she doesn’t wear. (Although she says she does!)
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to visit China. A country previously closed to the West is now opening its doors. I would love to learn about and explore its rich culture, tradition and people.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Both of us are headstrong and highly opinionated. The Race will help us, if not force us, to learn how to compromise and work with one another as we strive towards a mutual goal of winning the Race.

Name: Naina Venkatesh
Age: 27
Hometown: Laguna Niguel
Connection to your teammate: Daughter

Current occupation: Fitness Instructor
Describe what you do: I get to inspire and empower people to invest time in themselves and their relationships by altering the way they perceive their physical health. I strive to help others lead a well-balanced life filled with energy, commitment and enthusiasm.
Three words to describe you: Resilient, opinionated and adventurous.
Favorite hobbies: Dancing, water sports and cooking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Graduating from USC with honors.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Anne Hathaway – beautiful personality. She loves to laugh, talented and fit.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Dr. Rey, a.k.a. Dr. 90210 – not only do they physically resemble each other, but the combination of intelligence and sophistication is identical.
What scares you most about traveling? What scares me the most is falling sick or being kidnapped.
What excites you most about traveling? Being able to immerse myself completely in a new environment, absorbing the sights, sounds and history around me. And through this process, hopefully discovering more of who I am and what I stand for.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Most of the time we both think that we are right. Being able to quickly resolve an issue without raising our voices or being unwilling to relent is something I hope this race allows us to work on. We are in unfamiliar territory during the Race so my wish is that we work out any kinks by compromising quickly and doing what’s best within the circumstance we find ourselves in.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I don’t know if it’s deliberate or not, but I think my dad chooses to have selective hearing. Most times when I am talking to him I’ll have to repeat questions several times before he sometimes will acknowledge that he is listening to me. And then while I am still talking to him, he’ll walk away stating that his mind is elsewhere. It can be frustrating!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to go to Kenya and go on an African Safari or visit Egypt to experience the rich and ancient cultural history first-hand.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I come from a big family, so I have never been able to travel alone with my dad. I see this as an opportunity for adventure and exploration, where I get my dad all to myself and we are able to discover how we could improve upon our relationship as father/daughter but at the same time stay true to who we are as individuals.

TEAM 2: Leo Temory and Jamal Zadran (Cousins)

Name: Leo Temory
Age: 26
Hometown: Los Angeles
Connection to your teammate: Cousin

Current occupation: Entrepreneur/Restaurateur
Describe what you do: I own and operate a restaurant and recently opened a bar/lounge.
Three words to describe you: Smart, funny and friendly.
Favorite hobbies: Hiking, traveling, tennis and cooking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Climbing Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States, with no prior experience.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Bill Gates
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Kobe Bryant
What scares you most about traveling? Missing my flight or a bad taxi.
What excites you most about traveling? Meeting and interacting with different cultures.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Sometimes my cousin doesn’t listen or take my advice or direction to heart. I want to show him that I mean well and have him listen and be patient with me.
Pet peeve about your teammate: That he is very secretive and sometimes isn’t serious enough.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Venezuela, because the women are beautiful in South America.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to become closer to my cousin and show the entire world that Afghans are great, fun people and not just what we are portrayed in the media.

Name: Jamal Zadran
Age: 26
Hometown: Los Angeles
Connection to your teammate: Cousin

Current occupation: CEO/Owner of Z.I.G. (Zadran Investment Group)
Describe what you do: I manage and operate Zadran Investment Group (Z.I.G.) where we own our own Independent Dealership to sell cars to the public. Z.I.G. also buys and flips homes in the Southern California area and operates as a Reality Firm to the Public.  Part of my Investment Group also manages Equity Portfolios with trading of stocks, bonds and forex, and options.
Three words to describe you: Persistent, confident and energetic.
Favorite hobbies: Jet skiing, paintball and boogie boarding.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Working in Afghanistan for two years with the U.S. military.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Kobe Bryant – competitor and champion.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Albert Einstein – his ideas are efficient and usually right.
What scares you most about traveling? A bird hitting the aircraft and the plane crashing.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing the different cultural customs people have and being able to try it out with them if allowed. To interact with and actually leave a life-lasting memory to somebody across the world would give me a feeling of making some type of difference in their life even if it’s only for a short time.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We need to trust one another more often and not be too stubborn. Sometimes we may need to agree to disagree and not bicker a lot.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He’s very sensitive to things I may say to him or when I critique him.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Kenya, because of the natural wildlife. I’m a big cat fanatic and love the characteristics. To see them in the wild would be nice.

What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? To have more patience with one another and get through all challenges and obstacles with Leo. Though it will be difficult, the ultimate feeling should be worth it.

TEAM 3: Brandon Squyres and Adam Switzer (Beard Lovers)

Name: Brandon Squyres
Age: 34
Hometown: Chico, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Childhood friends

Current occupation: Contractor
Describe what you do: I install fire sprinkler systems.
Three words to describe you: Funny, boisterous and outgoing.
Favorite hobbies: Playing music, swimming and traveling.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Touring the entire U.S. and Europe with my bands, Cold Blue Mountain, Amarok, and The Makai.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Jason Lee
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Sacha Baron Cohen – He doesn’t mind wearing skimpy clothes and I’ve seen him naked more than I’d like to admit.
What scares you most about traveling? Maybe I’ve seen too many movies, but the possibility of abductions.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new places.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We both get excited easily and like to talk a lot which may cause some communication issues when under high pressure obstacles.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He grows a better moustache than me. It really grinds my gears.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Antarctica, because it’s so extreme and desolate. I can’t imagine what it would be like to see in person.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I want to show America how awesome Adam and I are, and spend time with my friend who I don’t see as often as I’d like.

Name: Adam Switzer
Age: 34
Hometown: Chico, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Childhood friend

Current occupation: Eco-friendly farmer
Describe what you do: I am a U.S.F.S. seasonal wildlife firefighter currently working fulltime on a 22-acre farm in the woods that I own to create an international hostel based on organic permaculture, sustainable living and alternative construction techniques.
Three words to describe you: Adventurous, outgoing and hurley-burley (constant state of chaos, flux and clamor).
Favorite hobbies: Mountain biking, back-packing and building (bikes, houses, inventions, etc.).
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being able to fight fires in the summers, travel the world in the winters and still save enough over the years to buy my 22-acre farm in the woods.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Mad Max, with a sprinkle of Robin William’s stand-up.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Abe Lincoln or Henry Rollins.
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing, really. Maybe it eventually ending. I often end up staying in sketchy quarters to stay on the cheap, but you just have to be more aware, not scared.
What excites you most about traveling? Food! I love almost all food and love trying even the most freakish grub. I also really enjoy meeting new people and seeing new cultures. It usually restores my faith in humanity. Lastly, animals! I’m an animal freak. I studied zoology a little in college and usually head for the jungle.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: It will be hard to listen to each other when we are amped up and screaming.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He’s straight edge, and when I’m on a tear he provokes any possible trouble for me to get into. Not really a pet peeve because he is always there to get me out of whatever jam he gets me into!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Madagascar – unique bio diversity that evolved separate than almost any other, or Mongolia to buy a horse, travel the plains and experience nomadic culture.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Having a riot and traveling with my great buddy who I don’t get to see enough in our current situations. I want to make people laugh, cry, love and hate us. See how we stack up in the end… are we really the best?

TEAM 4: Ally Mello and Ashley Covert (NHL Ice Crew)

Name: Allison “Ally” Mello
Age: 22
Hometown: Los Angeles
Connection to your teammate: LA Kings Ice Crew Girls and friends

Current occupation: LA Kings Ice Crew Girl
Describe what you do: As an LA Kings Ice Crew member we orchestrate all in-game promotions and clean the ice at every TV time out. We also do appearances in the community which help raise money for the Kings Care Foundation.
Three words to describe you: Vivacious, creative and driven.
Favorite hobbies: Playing beach volleyball, running around with my dogs and exploring new areas without a plan.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Graduating from CSULB with honors while working hard to support myself. I went from living in the small community of Turlock, CA to pursuing my childhood dreams in Southern California. I worked hard, stayed focused and I’m very proud of the choices I made.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Kate Hudson – bubbly and blonde with a touch of sassiness.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Ashley is a mixture of Jenna Marbles (same look and witty personality) and Victoria Beckham. Ashley has more clothes and heels than any other girl I know. She’s a bit of a fashionista!
What scares you most about traveling? Getting sick.
What excites you most about traveling? The opportunity to submerge myself into lifestyles of other cultures! Learning about other cultures has always been a fascination of mine.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We work really well together so I can’t think of anything.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Ashley takes up too much space when getting ready at the Staples Center. She likes to spread all of her stuff out on the counter. Pretty sure she has at least three of my make-up brushes.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Paris, because I have always dreamed of standing beside the Eiffel Tower! I have an Eiffel Tower necklace that I love to wear, and I have several Paris-themed pieces in my home. Would be a dream come true!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to come back not only having a stronger relationship with Ashley, but to have some ridiculous stories we can laugh about when we’re old and wrinkly.

Name: Ashley Covert
Age: 25
Hometown: Los Angeles
Connection to your teammate: LA Kings Ice Crew Members and friends

Current occupation: LA Kings Ice Crew Members
Describe what you do: As an LA Kings Ice Crew Member, we clean the ice during every TV timeout and orchestrate all in game promotions. We also do appearances in the community, which helps raise money for the Kings Care Foundation.
Three words to describe you: Happy, sociable and clever.
Favorite hobbies: Spending time with my family, shopping and skating/working out.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Making the LA Kings Ice Crew! I learned how to skate for auditions and really pushed myself. I proved that if you really want something you can achieve it.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Emma Stone – she’s funny, witty and has great style, just like me.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Carrie Underwood mixed with Misty May-Treanor. She’s an all-American country girl but when it comes to sports Ally is a true gold medalist!
What scares you most about traveling? Nothing, except maybe my suitcase getting lost!
What excites you most about traveling? Everything! Learning new cultures and meeting new people. Seeing the beauty this world has to offer.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I am late to everything! Ally has to keep me in check all the time.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Ally is a people pleaser. She has to always make sure everyone is happy and if people are not happy, Ally isn’t, which can be kind of scary.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I haven’t done any traveling outside of the country, so I would love to travel everywhere! New Zealand would be my ultimate travel spot. Every picture looks like a dream.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? An awesome experience that we can both look back on when we are 50! Also, to travel all over the world with my best friend, that is a huge gain in any friendship.

TEAM 5: Travis Jasper and Nicole Jasper (Married ER Doctors)

Name: Travis Jasper
Age: 43
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Connection to your teammate: Married

Current occupation: ER Physician
Describe what you do: I care for sick patients in urgent and emergency situations. I’m also a comforter in times of family tragedy.
Three words to describe you: Friendly, caring and giving.
Favorite hobbies: Coaching track and basketball, doing home improvement projects and playing with my kids.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being the husband of a beautiful, smart wife and the father of five healthy children.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Denzel Washington, because he’s cool and private.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Vanessa Williams, because her talent outlasts and outshines her beauty.
What scares you most about traveling? The risk of illness scares me the most.
What excites you most about traveling? I’m most excited about seeing new sights and learning about different cultures.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: She hears me when I talk but doesn’t seem to listen to what I’m saying.
Pet peeve about your teammate: When she stays late at work and constantly receives texts and emails on her mobile phone.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? South Africa, because of its rich and controversial history and its vast cultural diversity.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I’m hoping to experience the world in a different way and to grow closer to my wife by fighting through conflicts together.

Name: Nicole Jasper
Age: 39
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Connection to your teammate: Married

Current occupation: ER Physician
Describe what you do: I take care of everyone and anyone who comes into the Emergency Department.
Three words to describe you: Driven, sincere and perseverant.
Favorite hobbies: Travel, studying history and spending time with my family.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being able to be a mother of four while being a wife and practicing medicine.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Angelina Jolie – she has balance being a mother and wife while maintaining her own career.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Will Smith – he is a driven man who appears to put family first.
What scares you most about traveling? Losing my luggage or my passport.
What excites you most about traveling? Visiting new places, trying new foods, meeting new people and learning from those people.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Travis tends to be very, very critical of everyone… especially me. This definitely causes conflict in our relationship at times.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Travis thinks he is always right. OMG – we really bump heads about that.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to visit Greece! It seems so majestic and full of history. The architecture is phenomenal.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Travis and I love to travel and want to see the world together. We also had children right after we married, so it will be nice to focus on us.

TEAM 6: Tim Winyninger and Danny Merkey (Best Friends)

Name: Tim Wiyninger
Age: 26
Hometown: Cordell, Okla.
Connection to your teammate: Best Friend

Current occupation: Oilfield Plant Operator
Describe what you do: As a bulk plant operator, I load bulk chemicals onto trucks that go out to location.  Also, with as many crews that we run, I have to forecast on how much chemicals need to be ordered to start and finish a job.
Three words to describe you: Happy, funny and outgoing.
Favorite hobbies: Golf, attending sporting events and road trips.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? The birth of my son and being able to provide for my family.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Will Ferrell, because he’s funny, kind-hearted and loves everyone.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Owen Wilson, because he’s funny and a ladies’ man.
What scares you most about traveling? Seeing people in other countries who are less fortunate and not being able to help.
What excites you most about traveling? Going to places I have never been before and making new memories with people I love.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: We always believe that neither of us are wrong. Instead of listening to his argument, I just tell him my points. I hope I can be a better listener so I can respond to his points rather than hearing what I want to hear.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He spends too much time in front of the mirror.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would like to go to Australia. It would be amazing to visit the outback and see animals in their natural habitats.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I have never been overseas. Being able to travel the world and to see new things that I never thought would be possible.

Name: Daniel “Danny” Merkey
Age: 25
Hometown: Cordell, Okla.
Connection to your teammate: Best Friend

Current occupation: Oil Field Operator
Describe what you do: In the bulk plant my job is to blend various cements for oil rigs in the field. I also have to keep track and maintain any and all cements and additives used in the blending.
Three words to describe you: Cute, funny and brave.
Favorite hobbies: Fishing, golfing and Thunder Basketball.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? The birth of my daughter. A close second is taking 3rd in state in wrestling with a torn ACL.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Mark Wahlberg – tough and gritty but also hilarious.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Vince Vaughan – he is a fast-talking ladies’ man but has a big heart.
What scares you most about traveling? I love traveling for the most part. I’m not a big fan of the ocean. Just something about not knowing what’s out there makes me nervous.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing new cultures, sites and learning about different ways of life.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Tim and I are both very headstrong and sometimes argue about the simplest things to prove the other wrong. To win we will have to put that aside at times and trust each other.
Pet peeve about your teammate: His dirty car. When we go to lunch we never take his car because I can’t fit in the passenger seat with all the junk.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I have always wanted to see Rome with all the history and culture it has to offer.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world and make new friends.

TEAM 7: Nicky Getz and Kim DeJesus (Baseball Wives)

Name: Nicole “Nicky” Getz
Age: 27
Hometown: Splits time between Kansas City, Mo. and Troy, Mich.
Connection to your teammate: Baseball Wives and Friends

Current occupation: Baseball Wife and training to be a Pilates Instructor. **Husband is Chris Getz who played for the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals (currently).
Describe what you do: I’m a certified public accountant (CPA) and baseball wife.  Needless to say, I manage the household!
Three words to describe you: Energetic, sarcastic and competitive.
Favorite hobbies: I love working out, whether it’s pilates, yoga or tennis.  I’m also a sun goddess and enjoy margaritas.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Passing the CPA exam!  Also, getting my Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and graduating from the business college at Michigan State University.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Angie Harmon – I love Law & Order!
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Jenny McCarthy – hot and so fun!
What scares you most about traveling? Airplane bathrooms.
What excites you most about traveling? I love traveling to places with a lot of history.  I try to immerse myself in the culture and do things that I can’t do at home.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She forgets to eat. FYI – if you ever go to her house, bring your own snacks!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Bali, Indonesia.  I’ve heard the beaches are breathtaking and you can wear a sarong every day! That’s my kind of living.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I hope to experience the remarkable places The Race offers you the opportunity to travel.  I’m also looking forward to experiencing such a unique opportunity with such a great friend! Go Team Orange!

Name: Kim DeJesus
Age: 32
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Connection to your teammate: Baseball Wives and Friends

Current occupation: Baseball Wife **Husband is David DeJesus who played for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays (currently).
Describe what you do: Part time actor/model in Chicago and a full-time mom! I also work with our foundation which aids families in crisis who lack access to basic human needs. I support my husband’s career by going to a lot of baseball games and events, which is easy to do since I was raised a Cubs fan!
Three words to describe you: Creative, determined and kind.
Favorite hobbies: traveling, Living a healthy life (juicing), acting, painting/drawing (I love the arts!). I love laughing, hugging, watching movies, baseball and having fun!
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Hands down, being a mom! My son is my pride and joy. I also am proud that I can list off all 50 states in 15 seconds, and that I don’t eat things with a face.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Oh, I don’t know. Can I say who I would want to hang out with instead? Ellen DeGeneres. She is a sweet lady and makes people laugh without being hurtful; she has such a positive outlook on life and doesn’t judge. I don’t really admire a lot of celebs but she just makes me happy.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Jennifer Aniston – everyone wants to be Nicky’s friend! She’s funny and is a natural beauty. I am so lucky to get to spend this much time with her!
What scares you most about traveling? Being away from my son and husband is going to be extremely difficult for me.
What excites you most about traveling? Being in crazy situations! I get bored easily, and I’m obsessed with adventure. I also really, really love interacting with people. It’s so fun trying to brighten people’s day with laughing, or making someone feel good. Whether that be through a hug, conversation or just being ridiculous, i can’t wait to meet people from all over the world and see who is out there! So pumped for this crazy adventure.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together:  I know this might come as a shocker to people, but it’s quite possible we might have issues with physical tasks.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She is a tanorexic and I hate how she smells like oatmeal after she spray tans!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why?  India or Thailand – Such amazing people and cultures! Also, there is a lot of need there. I want to see firsthand how I can help. What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Growing in my friendship with my sweet bunny, Nicky, maintaining a positive attitude during the race and walking away having it been one of the best experiences of my life!

TEAM 8: Jason Case and Amy Diaz (Dating)

Name: Jason Case
Age: 33
Hometown: Attleboro, Mass.
Connection to your teammate: Dating

Current occupation: Owner of a Snowplow Company
Describe what you do: As President of Case Snow Management, Inc., my responsibility is to develop our company’s growth in the snow and ice industry to service the Northeast Region. My job is to lead a team of professionals, establish our mission and execute our goals.
Three words to describe you: Competitive, entrepreneurial and positive.
Favorite hobbies: Golf, traveling and scuba diving.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? It’s a tossup between winning my high school basketball state championship and starting a successful company.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? George Clooney
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Eva Longoria
What scares you most about traveling? The instability of people today, terrorism and cultural and religious war.
What excites you most about traveling? Exploring new parts of the world and living in different cultures. Life can be very rewarding after seeing new things.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Amy and I have strong personalities.  Our biggest challenge will be communicating without bickering.  Sometimes Amy can be harsh and have a little attitude. This race will test our ability to work together as a team. It will either be successful or tragic.
Pet peeve about your teammate: She is on her cell phone 24/7. I like technology but Amy allows social media to run her life.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? That’s a tough question. I find European history fascinating, but I also like to relax on a tropical beach. I’m not sure.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? This race will challenge our relationship. I’m ready to be married but need to know we can endure anything together. I feel this race will make or break our relationship.

Name: Amy Diaz
Age: 29
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Connection to your teammate: Girlfriend

Current occupation: Social Media Manager
Describe what you do: I create and maintain business profiles accounts on social media networks.
Three words to describe you: Zealous, feisty and adventurous.
Favorite hobbies: I love traveling, photography, yoga, food and wine tasting, cooking and baking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Completing two Master degrees by the time I was 22 years old. I am also incredibly proud of my involvement with non-profit organizations and causes. Most recently, I was a nominee for the Man & Woman of the Year Award of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Eva Longoria – I hear it all the time.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  A young Republican! A.k.a. future Senator or Governor of Massachusetts.
What scares you most about traveling? Getting kidnapped. I don’t want to be taken.
What excites you most about traveling? Trying new foods and meeting locals.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I have a habit of suppressing my feelings, and that coupled with my short fuse, beware!  This race is all about communicating effectively (and quickly!), which could become an issue when Jay and I are faced with challenging situations.
Pet peeve about your teammate: I really dislike that he has a tendency to think I am being negative when I am not… ever! I am a “cup half-full” type of gal!
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? I would love to go to Egypt. Since I was a little girl I’ve been fascinated by the culture and its history. It’s also my Father’s favorite place in the world!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? I love Jay and I believe he’s the one I am meant to spend the rest of my life with. Unfortunately, it seems like our “great times” mostly occur when we are on vacation and away from our everyday lives. I hope TAR will open his eyes and he will realize that we, as a couple, can endure and make it through anything.

Team 9: Rowan Joseph and Shane Partlow (Theater Performers)

Name:   Rowan Joseph
Age: 56
Hometown:  Charlotte, N.C.
Connection to your teammate:  Best friend and business partner

Current occupation:  Actor, Producer, Director and Voiceover Artist
Describe what you do: Tour the U.S. and Canada as an actor in the stage comedy “The Queen of Bingo,” the longest-running, Actor’s Equity Association (non-musical) touring production in the country, as well as playing small roles on TV and in films. I also work as a voiceover artist, including serving as the imaging voice for WRFK 89.3-FM in Baton Rouge, La., part of the NPR Digital Network. Along with Shane Partlow, I own and operate two production companies, Theatre A Go-Go, Inc. (Theatre) and Greenwood Hill Productions (Film & TV).
Three words to describe you: Funny, generous, stubborn.
Favorite hobbies:  Traveling, camping and hanging out with my dog “Obe” – trust me, it’s a hobby.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Producing and directing the anti-war film “Dalton Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun,” starring Ben McKenzie.
What famous person reminds you of yourself?  Eric Stonestreet from “Modern Family,” Lou Costello from “Abbott and Costello” and Nathan Lane.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Stan Laurel (from Laurel and Hardy) and Don Knotts (“Barney Fife” from “The Andy Griffith Show”).
What scares you most about traveling? Snakes and tired stewardesses.
What excites you most about traveling?  Seeing new places I never even imagined, learning from and experiencing new things, adventures!
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Hopefully get him to listen better and think before he speaks! Getting him to admit he made a mistake on camera would be worth the trip!
Pet peeve about your teammate: Chewing with his mouth open, and he is too neat and organized, which could actually be good in this instance.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why?  Vatican City would be amazing! Venice canals, the Coliseum, Pompeii would be awesome, the Amalfi coast – anywhere in Italy really.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? More fun stories and adventures, traveling to new places and meeting people of different cultures, learning ideas, laughing a lot and making other people laugh a lot too.

Name:  Shane Partlow
Age: 47
Hometown:  Charlotte, N.C.
Connection to your teammate: Best Friend and Business Partner

Current occupation:  Actor/Producer
Describe what you do: I have been touring the USA and Canada as an actor in a show called “The Queen of Bingo” for the last 10 years, playing the senior citizen, “Sis,” the older sister in the play. When not touring, I play small roles on TV and in films. Along with Rowan Joseph, I own and run the production end of Theatre A Go-Go, Inc.
Three words to describe you:  Optimistic, loving, funny.
Favorite hobbies:  Running (seven miles, five days a week), water/snow skiing, Venus flytraps.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?  Learning to trick rope from my dad and perfecting the skill.
What famous person reminds you of yourself?  A cross between Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) before the accident, Jon Cryer and Keith Carradine.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?   A cross between Nathan Lane and Lou Costello.
What scares you most about traveling?  Bed bugs and hotel bedspreads.
What excites you most about traveling?  People! I just really love people. How boring it would be if we were all the same. I love going to a place I have only heard about or seen pictures of, big or small.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together:  Listening to me more and not being stubborn. I think this is a Scorpio thing.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Sneezes more than any person I know and is always in the bathroom (I guess getting tissues because he is always sneezing).
What country and place would you most like to visit and why?  New Zealand would be great just because I hear how beautiful it is, Russia would be very interesting, and I would really enjoy Australia and seeing wild kangaroos.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Go to new places and meeting new people in different cultures with different ideas. And even if I don’t speak the language, still having fun trying to make the natives laugh.

Team 10: Tim Sweeney and Marie Mazzocchi (Exes)

Name:   Timothy Sweeney
Age: 32
Hometown: Morristown, N.J.
Connection to your teammate: Exes

Current occupation: Sports Marketing
Describe what you do: Work with large brands to extend traditional sports sponsorships online using social and emerging media.
Three words to describe you: Calculated, witty and flirtatious.
Favorite hobbies:  Golf, writing and music (I play guitar).
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?  Was drafted by theWashington Nationals to play professional baseball (2002).
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Jimmy Fallon – funny, talented, light-hearted and he’s not afraid to laugh at himself.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Mix of Jillian Michaels and Paris Hilton – she’s a workout freak, athletic, aggressive, a socialite, likes Chihuahuas, Starbucks and is manipulative.
What scares you most about traveling? Not being able to communicate. Language barriers.

What excites you most about traveling?  It makes you smarter, more cultured and getting to experience new places, people, food, etc.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: I would like us to be able to communicate what’s best for each other as an “us.” Sometimes we lose focus on what’s best, to simply be right individually.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Many times she loses perspective, forgets the big picture and becomes obsessed with being right, rather than solving the problem. And she thinks being the loudest makes her right.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Anywhere that I wouldn’t normally think to go or want to go. Maybe see the pyramids, drop into a rainforest or secluded island.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? Learn how to work together. When we aren’t dating, everything is amazing, but as soon as we commit and decisions have to be made together, trouble!

Name: Marie “Reebs” Mazzocchi
Age: 29
Hometown: Morristown, N.J.
Connection to your teammate: Exes

Current occupation: Fitness Trainer/Gym Owner
Describe what you do: Kickboxing instructor/personal trainer
Three words to describe you: Impulsive, energetic and impatient.
Favorite hobbies: Going to the gym, watching and playing sports and drawing.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? There isn’t one specific thing that stands out to me. I like to go after things where the odds are stacked against you. Victory is a lot sweeter when the challenge is greater.
What famous person reminds you of yourself?  Kristin Cavallari – (is she even still famous?) She doesn’t care what anyone thinks, does what she wants when she wants.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Ryan Lochte, because he’s in love with himself.
What scares you most about traveling? Being helpless in an environment where I don’t speak the language/cleanliness – I’m a total germaphobe.
What excites you most about traveling? Seeing different places and cultures. I’ve never been outside the U.S.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Neither one of us actually listens to one another – we both just yell at the same time trying to be right and walk away…nothing ever gets resolved.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He always has to be right, even when he knows he’s wrong. He justifies anything and creates an argument out of anything and everything.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? A rainforest and/or any country or place with exotic animals!
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks?) We both love competition. For us, this race is more about winning than money.

TEAM 11: Chester Pitts and Ephraim Salaam (Former NFL Teammates)

Name: Chester Pitts II
Age: 33
Hometown: Missouri City, Texas
Connection to your teammate: Friend and NFL teammate

Current occupation: Sports Anchor/Analyst for “Texans Insider,” Executive Consultant for ZT Wealth and Altus HMS. Played for the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks, totaling nine seasons over 10 years in the NFL.
Describe what you do: I anchor and report mainly sports, but occasionally do some feel-good stories. I educate others on how to live within their means. I help people achieve their goals, one person at a time.
Three words to describe you: Genuine, passionate and hard-working.
Favorite hobbies: Reading, autocross and watching movies.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I am proud of having the most awesome family ever!
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Shaquille O’Neal, but far more handsome.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  No one. Ephraim is truly a unique individual. But if I have to pick one, Forrest Whittaker.
What scares you most about traveling? Germs!
What excites you most about traveling? New experiences, people and cultures.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: He is impulsive, but also “smells the roses.”
Pet peeve about your teammate: He struggles with the truth on occasion.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why?  London. I would like to have tea with the Queen.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)?  Winning is enough for me.

Name:  Ephraim Salaam
Age: 36
Hometown: Studio City, Calif.
Connection to your teammate: Friend and NFL Teammate

Current occupation:  Co-host of “Fox Sports Live.”  Played for the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons totaling 13 years in the NFL.
Describe what you do: I guest host for a few shows across different networks, as well as do football analysis.
Three words to describe you: Obstinate, competitive (ultra) and proud.
Favorite hobbies: Movies, video games and traveling.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being a great father.
What famous person reminds you of yourself? Shaquille O’Neal.
What famous person reminds you of your teammate?  Michael Clarke Duncan.
What scares you most about traveling? Leg room on the planes, trams and busses.
What excites you most about traveling? Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together:  He doesn’t listen very much. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. I would like to see him in a situation where he had to listen.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He never wants to do anything new and exciting and he’s cheap as hell.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why?  Africa. I would love to see the motherland. My mother travels there a lot and she says it’s glorious.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)?  I would like to experience the race with Chester because he never wants to do anything adventurous. He loves to play it safe.

Here’s a gallery of the larger images – what do you think?  Are you picking a favorite from bios?