Zach and Nate Johnson Eliminated From The Amazing Race
The duo were the first team to be sent home during the Season 39 premiere in Vancouver.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Running
The Amazing Race kicked off its 39th season in Vancouver, Canada, with 13 teams competing. Zach Johnson and Nate Johnson were eliminated after arriving last at the Pit Stop at Vandussen Botanical Garden.
Why it matters
The first leg saw intense competition as teams navigated challenges throughout the city, ultimately ending in the elimination of the Johnsons after they trailed behind Daisha Wilks and Dalton Hamby.
The season premiere featured a 300-foot leap at BC Place and a maritime flag task requiring teams to memorize 25 flags within a 2-minute time limit.
The players
Zach Johnson
He is a contestant who was eliminated during the first leg of the race.
Nate Johnson
He competed alongside Zach Johnson and was eliminated in the premiere.
Erin Taylor
She is a race competitor who finished the first leg of the season in first place.
Javi Vintimilla
He is a race competitor who secured the top position in the opening leg.
The details
Teams navigated a Detour at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, where they chose between memorizing maritime flags or navigating a tandem outrigger canoe. Erin Taylor and Javi Vintimilla secured the first-place finish after using an Express Pass to bypass the Roadblock.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The second episode of The Amazing Race is scheduled to air.
Season Trajectory
The early exit of the Johnsons reshapes the competitive landscape for the remaining 12 teams as they continue through the season. This opening leg sets the tone for the season's difficulty, forcing teams to manage resources like the Express Pass early on.
The use of three Express Passes by different teams in the first leg depletes a major strategic advantage early in the season. Viewers tracking the race can expect the remaining teams to face higher difficulty as the safety net of these passes diminishes.
The takeaway
Early game strategy in The Amazing Race often relies on the aggressive use of available advantages like the Express Pass. Competitors who conserve these resources may find themselves with a crucial edge in later, more difficult legs of the race.
What happens next
The second episode of the competition is scheduled to air on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more on competitive events and season updates, visit the Running section.
