SamScramble set for New Year's Day

EPHRATA - Organizers of the SamScramble say this year's event is a healthy and inspirational way to kick off 2015.

The annual scavenger hunt and footrace takes place Jan. 1 at the Ephrata Recreation Center. The event is inspired by Ephrata's Samantha Webb, a 9-year-old girl who died of cancer on Jan. 1., 2003, and by all others who face life-threatening illnesses, according to information from organizers.

The annual event has drawn almost 200 participants and raised more than $14,000 for charitable organizations in the past two years. About 45 teams took part in last year's SamScramble.

Organizers donated funds to the Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in past years.

Proceeds from this year's event will go to OMNY, a local summer outreach program. OMNY provides children who are challenged by social, emotional or economic needs with a safe learning and nurturing environment.

The program is now in its 19th year and currently serves 60 high-risk children in second through sixth grades, according to the release.

Registration for this year's SamScramble is $15 per person and can only be submitted the morning of the event. The first 200 people to register receive SamScramble goody bags.

Organizers will provide bright yellow neck warmers to participants for better visibility during the race. Markers and maps will also be provided.

Registration and check-in starts at 10 a.m. Rules and maps will be handed out at 11:10 a.m.

At 11:30 a.m. racers will start to walk, run or sled to 30 point-valued locations in any order they want, where they will have to answer a series of questions. Winning teams or individuals are those who return within 90 minutes with the most points.

There are six different divisions this year, according to organizers. The divisions are: Silver, participants 50 and older; Adult, 13 and older; Junior, younger than 18, Stroller, one or more child riding in a stroller and PeeWee, one or more child 8 or younger but traveling under their own power.

Teams must have two to five people. Creative team names and costumes are encouraged, said organizers. Medals will be awarded to the top three trams in each division.

Prize drawings will also be held.

Following the race, participants can join a balloon release at the ERC. Each year, organizers release balloons in Webb's honor with messages from family and friends attached to them.

Racers can write a thought, wish or memory for someone who inspires them on their balloons, according to organizers.

For more information, email samscramble@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/site/samscramble.