Scallywags can shape their booties while hunting for booty at an upcoming pirate-themed race March 2, at Varn Ranch.
The Pirate Booty Hunt, a 3.5-mile race, gives runners a chance to find one of 200 treasure chests hidden along the trail. Each box has an undisclosed amount of money inside, ranging from $10 to $1,000.
“Right now, adventure racing is very hot — like mud runs,” Eric Peer, race series president for Erro Events, said. “But this is not just a run, not just an obstacle course.”
Erro Events is coordinating the run. Erro also put on the Beach Beast Race, in which thousands participated. The goal for Pirate Booty Hunt is 700 to 1,000 participants.
“It’s a great twist on the adventure racing that everyone seems to like,” Robert Handy, executive director of Erro Events, said.
The run will benefit Project L.I.N.K., a Tampa-based charity that helps keep students from struggling families with school.
“I hope that it will raise awareness,” Tina Young, executive director of Project L.I.N.K., said. “We’ve been in the community for more than 20 years, and it surprises me that people don’t know about us.”
Young is part of the Ye Mystic Krewe of the Nautilus, a Gasparilla group. Peer was friends with a board member of L.I.N.K., who was also part of the Krewe. Through the member, he met Young and pitched the idea of a race. Young loved it.
“It’s going to be a family thing,” Young said. “It’s not competitive. With this idea, you don’t have to be the winner; everyone is a winner. You can walk and have a chance to win the ultimate prize.”
Young and Peer thought it would be a good idea to tie the race into Tampa’s Gasparilla and hold it at the end of all the festivities.
“The pirate idea just goes hand-in-hand with the scavenger hunt,” Peer said. “It’s transferrable. You could take this idea anywhere, to Central Park even.”
“It’s really genius to have it after Gasparilla,” Handy said. “A lot of people still have their costumes and want to keep celebrating.”
Everyone has a chance to find one treasure chest. The chest must be sealed at the time you cross the finish line. To keep the amount inside, participants must cross the finish line in one hour. More than $3,000 is up for grabs in two heats.
Everyone gets a finishers medal and a T-shirt. There will be live music, food and a free children’s fun heat. Project L.I.N.K. will have a booth offering services and information.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Pirate Booty Hunt Race
WHEN: March 2. Two heats at 8:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.; kids ages 7 to 11 at 10:45 a.m.
WHERE: Varn Farms, 5501 Varn Road, Plant City
REGISTRATION: $50 from Feb. 16 to March 1; and $60 the day of the race
BENEFICIARY: Project L.I.N.K., a Tampa-based charity that helps keep students from struggling families with school
WEBSITE: piratebootyhunt.comAirCrack