From Lancaster to The Amazing Race world tour: Conestoga Valley alum Josiah and Alyssa to compete in the finale

Josiah and Alyssa Borden from The Amazing Race Season 37 | Image via Instagram/ @lysskirkborden
Josiah and Alyssa Borden from The Amazing Race Season 37 | Image via Instagram/ @lysskirkborden

As Josiah and Alyssa Borden prepare for the two-part finale of The Amazing Race Season 37, they are bringing their small-town origins to the world stage. Originating from Lancaster's Conestoga Valley High School, this dynamic team has proven that hometown grit and collaboration can get you far. They have raced through cities like Tokyo, Lisbon, and Cape Town. Both Lancastrians and lovers of reality TV have fallen in love with their trip.

Josiah and Alyssa achieved top finishes on legs around Europe and Africa by striking a balance between speed and strategy throughout the season. To stay competitive, they have conquered difficult Roadblock activities, overcome language difficulties, and occasionally used the Express Pass. Their friendly yet competitive cooperation has garnered admiration from both their rivals and spectators, demonstrating how open communication and mutual trust can help you succeed in the most difficult race in the world.

All eyes are on these Conestoga Valley alumni, who embody Lancaster's ethos on a global scale, as the finale draws near. Their underdog tale has found resonance far beyond their city, regardless of whether they overcome the difficulties of the final leg or just enjoy the moment. Viewers will discover on Wednesday night whether Josiah and Alyssa's combination of small-town perseverance and big-city acumen is sufficient to win the $1 million reward.


How Josiah’s background shaped his The Amazing Race journey

Josiah Borden’s trip to The Amazing Race finish line was a long time in the making long before he was ever captured on camera. Josiah, who graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2010, learned important traits from things like wrestling and Model UN that he would lean on during the competition: resiliency, understanding other cultures, and being open-minded. Those early days of toil gifted him with the two biggest weapons in his armory throughout his entire career—the work ethic and dogged variation.

After graduating from high school, Josiah decided to pursue a career in healthcare as a nurse anesthetist in Philadelphia. His mettle was further tested during the covid-19 pandemic when he proved himself an outstandingly dedicated and unwavering provider in the high-pressure ICUs of Lancaster General Hospital as well as several hospitals in Philadelphia.

In 2021, he received a new car as a reward for his commitment through the "Mazda Heroes" program. His ability to perform well under pressure was further refined by these work-related experiences, and it has been a crucial skill on The Amazing Race.


How Josiah & Alyssa clinched their spot in The Amazing Race Season 37 finale

Through a combination of calculated choices and steady performance, Josiah and Alyssa Borden were able to guarantee their place in The Amazing Race Season 37 finale. In Episode 10, the pair chose to utilize their Express Pass to avoid the Detour when they were presented with a difficult cheese identification challenge in Strasbourg, France. Despite their disagreements, this move ultimately helped them stay competitive in the race.

Finishing the leg in second position, they narrowly escaped elimination, proving their strategic choice worthwhile. The fans praised their superior communication and their ability to remain focused under pressure. Josiah and Alyssa have been so flexible and resilient in this competition, and it has paid off.

The duo have shown that they’re serious competitors, with a good run of performances, including several top-three finishes. Throughout the final leg, their synchronized cooperation and tactical play are still key elements to their victory. And with the end in sight, Josiah and Alyssa are hell-bent on using their advantages to take the million-dollar grand prize.


Stay tuned to CBS to watch the finale of The Amazing Race Season 37 on May 15.

Edited by Ishita Banerjee