Hormones were flying last week as dozens of Crowsnest youths took to the streets for the second running of the Amazing Teen Race.

The teens were made to surmount a number of challenges throughout the daylong event to teach them the values of teamwork, friendship and to give them a taste of post-pubescent life. 40 Developmental Assets (CNP40) put on the event while individual challenges were graciously organized by a host of community groups.

Over 75 volunteers collaborated to make the event possible, said race spokesperson Katherine Mertz.

Teens rappelled off buildings with the help of the RCMP and CNP Fire/Rescue, spoke Japanese with Nippon Institute of Technology students, worked wood at Border Building Supplies and danced under the tutelage of Turning Point Dance Studio.

They also created flower bouquets at the Rose Peddler for York Creek Lodge seniors, bought groceries for the food bank and picked apples on behalf of the Crowsnest Conservation Society.

“The community members that got involved said they absolutely loved the day,” said Mertz. “I think our community values our youth, we sometimes just forget to show it.”

The challenges were designed around the 40 assets CNP40 promotes. These assets are meant to turn Crowsnest youths into well-rounded adults.

Knights of Columbus, Stones Throw Cafe, Black Rock Pizza and the Blairmore Lions all collaborated to feed the hungry teens throughout the day.

Like a 14-year old on the cusp of adulthood, the race is growing in spurts. Last year 10 teams of 40 teens competed while this year those numbers increased to 17 teams of 68 teens.

The teams performed a dance routine before running to the finish line and the day ended with a performance by Crowsnest Fiddle Group, Virginia Reel and Tynan Groves on guitar. There was also a slide show of the day’s events.

Dead Last, the fastest junior team, made up of Alice Murray, Sante Canderan and Noah Schuh and Tribal Turtles, the senior team made up of Tapanga Cargill, Ashley Enefer, Riana Maerz and Ryan Grove, each took home $400.

But winning wasn't the main thing, said Mertz. Fun was.

“The participants showed great team work,” said Mertz. “They all made it to the finish line with a smile.”