CBS has revealed the identities of the 11 teams competing on The Amazing Race's thirteenth season, which will premiere Sunday, September 28 at 8PM ET/PT.
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The Amazing Race's thirteenth season began at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in late April and concluded in the Portland, OR area in May -- however, not all of the teams made it to the season's finish line reunion. According to CBS, one team made "an unprecedented mistake" that "ultimately prohibit[ed] them from joining their fellow Racers at the finish line."
Over the course of 23 days, the teams embarked on a 30,000-mile trek that included visits to Brazil, Bolivia, Russia and India -- as well as the show's first-ever stop in Kazakhstan, the land-locked country that served as the fictional homeland for Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat character.
"We shot most of that episode in the capital," executive producer Bertram van Munster told The Associated Press in a Tuesday report. "People were a little afraid we were going to pull a Borat on them. I told them we weren't doing Borat, but what happened there is very, very funny. It's not easy to shoot in places like that because they practically have no television industry."
In addition to Kazakhstan, The Amazing Race's thirteenth season will also be the first to make a stop in Cambodia.
"The teams have no idea how to get from Point A to Point B there," van Munster told The AP. "They don't know the language. It's very difficult to get through this country. They get so stuck, but they find so many fascinating solutions of how to get through everything. One of the things the teams do there is go to a real-life floating village. It's insane."
Unlike Survivor: Gabon, The Amazing Race's thirteenth season wasn't filmed in high-definition. Survivor's upcoming seventeenth edition represents the first installment of the long-running reality show that was shot in HD.
"I don't think it's a priority," van Munster told The AP about filming The Amazing Race in high-definition. "We're just happy to continue making the show as it is."
CBS renewed The Amazing Race for a thirteenth edition last December while the long-running reality series was in the midst of airing it's twelfth-season, and van Munster is currently scouting Asian locations for the fourteenth season, according to The AP, although CBS has yet to formally renew the show.
The 11 teams competing on The Amazing Race's thirteenth season -- as well as their CBS-supplied profile information -- are:
 "Friends" Marisa Axelrod and Brooke Jackson
Marisa is a 22 year-old University of South Carolina broadcast journalism student from Spartanburg, SC. Brooke is a 24 year-old graphic designer from Columbia, SC. CBS says: These charming southern belles are best friends and are up for any challenge. They want to prove to the world that they're not just cute blondes and that they can be athletic and fierce competitors. |
 "Separated Couple" Ken and Tina Greene
Ken is a 51 year-old home-builder and ex-NFL player from San Diego, CA. Tina is the 48 year-old president of BioPharmMed from Tampa, FL. CBS says: This married couple is looking to reconnect on the Race. They've been separated and living on different coasts for several months and are ready to put their marriage back together. Ken, an ex-NFL star who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers, was also a college football assistant coach. He is currently a home builder. He is competitive, athletic and says his problem-solving skills will help them win the race. He thinks Tina is too controlling and should relax a bit more, but anticipates the Race will help them learn to appreciate their differences. |
 "Divorcees" Kelly Crabb and Christy Cook
Kelly is a 26 year-old pharmaceutical sales representative from Houston, TX. Christy is a 26 year-old business developer from Austin, TX. CBS says: Kelly and Christy are best friends that will not settle for second best. These two go-getters have been through a lot in the last year and want to prove that they can overcome anything. Neither has traveled extensively outside of the U.S., but both are eager to change that. This team's drive, experience and competitiveness may provide them with the opportunity to see all the world has to offer. |
 "Newly Dating Couple" Terence Gerchberg and Sarah Leshner
Terence is a 35-year-old running coach and Sarah is a 31-year-old investment analyst. Both reside in New York City. CBS says: This Team is determined to prove to themselves they belong together. They are well traveled and both enjoy physical activities and pushing each other to succeed. Either way, this adventure will definitely be a journey that could make or break them. |
 "Fraternity Brothers" Andrew Lappitt and Dan Honig
Andrew is a 22-year-old student from Tucson, AZ. Dan is a 23-year-old hotel manager trainee from Wilmington, DE. CBS says: Life couldn't be any better for these fraternity brothers. Andrew and Dan met while attending Arizona State University and the last four years have been filled with good times. Some of the Teams have referred to them as "Team Superbad." These two say they can talk their way in or out of anything by cracking jokes and keeping the mood light. Look for them to always keep things entertaining in their own special way. |
 "Long Distance Dating Couple" Aja Benton and Ty White
Aja is a 25-year-old aspiring actress from Los Angeles, CA. Ty is a 25-year-old banker from West Bloomfield, MI. CBS says: This long distance dating couple is looking for an opportunity to be together for an extended period of time. They've been dating for nine months, living in two separate cities and the longest time they've spent together was last Christmas for two weeks. They feel that the Race will help them determine if they can truly handle living together on a daily basis. |
 "Best Friends" Mark Yturralde and Bill Hahler
Mark is a 41-year-old Comic-Con treasurer and Bill is a 42-year-old student aid administrator. Both reside in San Diego, CA. CBS says: These comic book aficionados are determined to be the most strategic team ever to compete in the Race. Mark and Bill, friends for over 23 years, first met at a science fiction club and have been bonding over their love for comics and games ever since. Mark says that he "wears geek like a badge of honor." |
 "Mother and Son" Toni and Dallas Imbimbo
Toni is a 51-year-old accounting consultant and Dallas is a 22-year-old student. Both reside in Woodside, CA. CBS says: Toni and Dallas have always been there for each other and will let nothing come between them. These two are hoping the Race will provide them with some quality family time they've been missing out on since Dallas has been away at college - and maybe they can win a million dollars along the way. |
 "Brother and Sister" Nick and Starr Spangler
Nick is a 22-year-old actor from New York City. Starr is a 21-year-old former NFL cheerleader from Fort Worth, TX. CBS says: This brother/sister team will stop at nothing to win the Race. Both are extremely driven and competitive, especially with one another. They admit to being over-zealous when a prize is involved – even if it's only bragging rights. They're excited to use this to their advantage on the race. |
 "Married Beekeepers" Anita and Arthur Jones
Anita is a 63-year-old retired paralegal and Arthur is a 61-year-old in playground maintenance. Both reside in Eugene, OR. CBS says: Anita and Arthur can't wait to make the Race their next big adventure. This energetic couple is open hearted and free spirited. They make and sell their own honey and recently purchased an organic blueberry farm. They have known each other for over 26 years and have been married for almost 14 years. Their blended family and children are the most important part of their lives. |
 "Dating Couple" Anthony Marotta and Stephanie Kacandes
Anthony is a 32-year-old mortgage broker and Stephanie is a 32-year-old financial saleswoman. Both reside in Los Angeles, CA. CBS says: Back together again after a year-long break-up, Anthony says he will propose to Stephanie if they make it through the Race. Even though they've overcome many of their differences, their constant bickering would suggest otherwise. |
(Photos credit Monty Brinton/CBS) About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
