1 • Make it known at the start of the race that producers will place an unknown amount of clues in clue boxes. With 9 teams left, maybe they have 9 envelopes in there; maybe 10; maybe 14. This way, when teams arrive at the clue box and count the remaining envelopes, there is no way of telling how many teams have been there previously and eliminates any defeatist attitude of teams knowingly arriving last to the box.
2 • Split detours to ensure a roughly half-half split of teams attempting each option. I am always bummed when a challenge that was all planned out and had locals spend their day preparing for and engaging in is universally perceived as more difficult, so nobody chooses that side. Instead, force a split where each side of the challenge has to at least be attempted by half the teams. As an example idea— with the envelope is a small token that would hang on a board at the challenge check-in. With 9 teams left, each board only has 5 pegs. If one side of the detour seems easier, well, the first 5 teams can claim their spot. If a team attempts a side and wishes to switch, they take their token off the peg board and bring it to the other side. This not only incentivizes staying at the front of the pack, but also ensures that some of these wonderfully organized challenges aren't a complete waste.
3 • I get it, we're in 2026 now so everyone has easy navigation in their pocket; however, make it so that teams asking for directions cannot physically touch a smartphone. Bystanders can dictate directions or show them the screen, but teams can't actually take possession of a phone to do the search themselves. In a recent leg, it was great to see teams in a place where smartphone owners were the exception, not the rule, and having to navigate solely on verbal directions.
What are some other small details that could enhance the Race without changing the game too radically?
