Ottawa Duo Races to Finale of Amazing Race Canada Season 11

An Ottawa man and his teammate are set to compete in the season finale of The Amazing Race Canada, which airs on October 3, 2023. Jonathon Braun, hailing from Woodlawn, Ontario, and his partner Jesse Harink from Sherwood Park, Alberta, have made their way to the final episode of the show’s 11th season. Their journey has been marked by strong performances, including four wins throughout the competition.

Reconnecting with Community

Braun, a lawyer currently residing in Vancouver, shared his excitement about the show and the support he has received from his hometown. “The reaction from my community has been so special,” he told CTV News Ottawa, “reconnecting with so many people who are just so excited to watch somebody from their hometown on the show and cheering us on as a team has just been a really special part of this experience.” He noted that the support from the West Carleton area has been a significant motivator throughout their journey.

As the competition progressed, Braun has also reconnected with friends from his past, including those from elementary and high school, as well as family friends. “All my parents’ friends get together, and they watch the episodes together,” he added. “Getting all this support really brings me a lot of joy.”

Harink echoed these sentiments, noting that their shared experiences during the race have strengthened their friendship. “We got along really well during the actual legs of the race, but we really got along when we weren’t racing as well,” he said. This camaraderie has allowed them to maintain positivity, even in challenging situations.

Experiencing Canadian Pride

The pair’s participation in the show has also led to unexpected encounters with fans. Harink shared, “I have a dog here in Vancouver, and people have come up and said they’re cheering. My favourite is parents with kids who come up and say, ‘My kid is a big fan!’” The enthusiasm surrounding this season has been particularly palpable, as it has celebrated Canadian culture and landscape, further igniting national pride.

One of Braun’s most memorable moments occurred while filming in the Arctic. “I started crying. I was just so overwhelmed by the beauty of the location, the beauty of the people,” he recalled. “It was definitely so intense.” He also expressed a bittersweet feeling about the fast-paced nature of the race, wishing for more time to take in the stunning scenery, such as the Golden Skybridge.

Both Braun and Harink have been lifelong fans of The Amazing Race Canada. Braun revealed that he had been trying to join the show since its inception. “I’ve been trying to get on since season one, and it’s season 11 and we finally got on,” he said, encouraging others interested in participating to be persistent. “They just announced season 12… If you want to be on the show, just keep applying, don’t give up.”

The finale promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this season’s race, with the winning team receiving a grand prize that includes two 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, a trip around the world, and a cash prize of $250,000 courtesy of Fuze Iced Tea. Other finalists include siblings Grace and Joe from Prince George, B.C., married couple Skylene and Blair from Edmonton, and brothers EB and Blake from Toronto.

The Amazing Race Canada airs at 21:00 on CTV and is available for streaming the following day on Crave. As the final episode approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this exhilarating season.