Stamford's Urban Scavenger Race Set to Return

This October, if you love the thrill of the hunt, competition and helping out local nonprofit organizations, then maybe you should check out Stamford's second-annual Urban Scavenger Race. It's a day of fun, learning about the city of Stamford and discovering hidden gems and neat local businesses participating in challenges along the way.

The event is arranged and organized almost exclusively by Samantha Pitera, 30, of Stratford. Pitera works in Stamford and wanted to bring a local feel to some of her favorite activities. 

"I'm a big fan of shows like the Amazing Race and participated in some scavenger hunts before," Pitera said. "They're always held in large cities and never seemed to focus on small, local assets. I wanted to find a way to show off and increase awareness or our local culture, history and historical landmarks and give back to charity."

Teams of two or more are encouraged to dress up creatively for their trek through the city, and there will even be a contest before the hunt itself for best costume. 
On Saturday, October 5, registrants this year will meet at Hotel Zero Degrees, the race's location sponsor, at approximately 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., the scavenger hunt will get underway and racers will have about four hours to find as many locations around the city as possible. Sometimes it will be grabbing a picture together in front of a statue, other times, they'll have to grab a photo proposing to a stranger on a public street, other times it will be eating a bowl of hot wings at a participating restaurant along the trek. 

Teams can register for approximately $50 per person. A portion of those proceeds goes to a local nonprofit voted on by the community. This year, Stamford race voters chose the Child Guidance Center of Southern CT as the beneficiary for the second year. Pitera said last year, between Stamford and the event's second location in New Haven, the Urban Scavenger Hunt was able to donate about $300.

This year, Pitera said they already have roughly 20 teams signed up. 

"I wanted to do something to support our local businesses, especially since 2008 everyone's been struggling, and find a way to get people talking about the local community," Pitera said. "And the more participants and sponsors we can manage to get signed up, the more money we can provide to nonprofit beneficiaries. If we could get 150 people, I'd take that."