Community Corner

Urban Chicken Race Fundraiser Returns on Aug. 10

The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Earlier this year, friends Valerie Ellis and April Stanley teamed up to create an adventure race company that benefits local charities.

The Urban Chicken adventure race - which is the namesake of the company they co-own - benefits The Spring of Tampa Bay, the philanthropic organization for Alpha Chi Omega at University of Tampa, and Franciscan Mission Service.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, Urban Chicken Race's "Smokin' Hot Edition" debuts in Ybor City.

The race is for all ages, and organizers are asking those who participate to bring baby items to donate to The Spring of Tampa Bay, specifically diaper sizes 4-6, baby wipes, formula and baby food. All of raffle proceeds that day and 10 percent of race proceeds will benefit Franciscan Mission Service.

We recently talked to Ellis about the purpose of the event and how people can participate.

Patch: What makes this UCR different than others, i.e. the Hot Smokin' Edition name?

Ellis: The "Smokin' Hot Edition" of Urban Chicken Race in Ybor City was the perfect name for this edition, combining the summer heat and an area of Tampa that will always be thought of by locals as the Cigar Capital of the World. This race will feature some "cool clues," focused on making a pleasurable experience for those adventurous enough to join in.

PatchWhat is the purpose of the race for those who don't know?

Ellis: Urban Chicken Race is a scavenger hunt race that gives teams of 2-8 the opportunity to use their legs for running, their brains for solving, and their "beaks" for squawking to their friends tales of the crazy adventure they completed. This event is designed for participants of all levels, from competitive athletes, to friends out for a day in the sun, to the 'let's go all out, wear our funky costumes, and cluck like a chicken types.'

The August 10 race is family-friendly, so all ages are encouraged to compete in the costume contests and join the fun.  Teams will compete to solve 12 clues, and may choose to skip one clue and still place in the race.  Cash prizes go to the top three teams, the best chicken costume individual/team, and the best overall team costume.  

Patch: Why do you think it's important for Tampa Bay communities to participate in events like this?

Ellis
: It is great for the community to get out of the house and have some good clean fun, while exploring their city. Better yet, it is important for the Tampa Bay community to get involved in giving back on a local and international level.  Our international charity partner is Franciscan Mission Service, and we are proud to help build bridges of brother/sisterhood with other countries in the areas of health care, education, social services, urban and rural agriculture, pastoral work, and community organization.  

Our local charity partner is The Spring of Tampa Bay, and we are asking participants to bring baby items for donations to The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Patch: What events does the UCR entail, and where can people sign up? What's the cost?

Ellis: Registration includes race entry, a UCR t-shirt, a colorful UCR tattoo, the possibility of fun raffle prizes by entering the day of event raffle (100 percent of raffle proceeds benefit Franciscan Mission Service) and an after race party at the start and finish location, TBBC Restaurant and Brewery.  

Race registration is at http://www.imathlete.com/events/UrbanChickenRaceSmokinHotEditionand organizers are running a Living Social Deal that includes a UCR water bottle for $35 starting July 15.

For more information about deals and latest race info, see the website at http://www.urbanchickenrace.com/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UrbanChickenRace.


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