Testudo Event Calls for Tag Teams

Though the old fable teaches that the slow and steady tortoise wins the race, some Terps may prefer speed in tomorrow’s second annual Tag the Testudos event. 

The scavenger hunt invites students to test their knowledge about the University of Maryland’s fearsome yet beloved mascot as they track down six of the bronze terrapin statues on campus in hopes of winning swag at the finish line.

“Primarily, this is a way for us to celebrate movement out on our campus and encourage students to be active,” said Kate Maloney, assistant director of communications and marketing for University Recreation & Wellness, which sponsors the event. “We know that being physically active has lots of benefits for college students that can help them feel better right away, including better sleep, reduced stress, improved mood and greater focus.”

Once registered, students collect their “passport,” read the clues and start running—or walking, jogging, rolling or biking. Maloney just asks that you don’t drive.

The passport contains all six clues to finding the Testudos, and racers can complete them in any order. After collecting all six stamps, they need to hustle back to Eppley. Only the first 100 who both check in and complete the scavenger hunt by 3 p.m. receive a free long-sleeve Tag the Testudos shirt. 

New this year, participants can gain social media notoriety. Using the hashtag #TagTheTestudos, RecWell will judge posted photos from each statue in three categories: goofiest, most school spirit and most artistic.

Get a hare ahead of fellow racers with a sneak peek of the clues in this quiz: