‘Amazing Race Canada’ set for Season 9

The TV series that has become one of the signifiers of summer television in Canada is returning for a ninth season.

CTV announced Monday that casting is now open for the new season of “The Amazing Race Canada,” which has become one of the country’s most successful spinoffs of an American format.

The popular competition show returned for its eighth season this past July, three years after being derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was won by friends and performers Catherine Wreford and Craig Ramsay. Wreford ran the physically and psychologically gruelling race despite being diagnosed in 2013 with a brain tumour and given two to six years to live.

The series is hosted by Olympic gold medallist Jon Montgomery. Each season features 10 pairs of competitors vying for a $250,000 cash prize, automobiles, trips and other awards by travelling across Canada and around the world completing various challenges.

“Everyone asks, what does it take to make it onto the starting line?” CTV says on its “Amazing Race Canada” website. “Well, we love a good story … We want to hear about your team and what makes your story and your relationship special.”

Prospective racers must be at least 19, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, in good health, able to travel within Canada and around the world, and available for at least 35 days of shooting.

Audition videos are being accepted up until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 6.