A new citywide challenge is launching in Spartanburg this January, inviting locals to explore downtown in a fast-paced scavenger hunt with a $500 cash prize on the line.
The inaugural Hub City Hunt will take place Saturday, Jan. 3, marking the first event in what organizers plan to be a recurring monthly tradition designed to spotlight Spartanburg landmarks, businesses and public spaces.
The concept was created by Spartanburg native Alec Renner, who said the idea grew from a desire to see more engaging, community-driven events happening in the city he calls home.
“We were inspired to start Hub City Hunt because we want to see more events and things of interest happening in Spartanburg,” Renner said. “I was born and raised here, my wife is a doctor in the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, and now we have two kids who are going to grow up here — so we have a lot of investment and interest in seeing the community do good things.”
The hunt officially begins at 10 a.m., when the first clue is released on Instagram. Participants must follow the clues, identify a local landmark, find a hidden token and post a photo from the location tagging the Hub City Hunt account. The first valid entry wins the $500 prize.
Renner said keeping the hunt simple and accessible was intentional, allowing anyone to participate without registration fees or complicated rules.
Hunts will take place on the first Saturday of each month, a schedule Renner hopes gives residents something exciting to anticipate.
“We feel like having it once per month will hopefully give people something to look forward to,” he said. “Something exciting to start each month off strong.”
Beyond the competition, Renner hopes the hunt encourages participants to explore parts of the city they may not regularly visit.
“We’re hoping it allows locals to find more businesses or areas of interest around the city,” he said. “And we’re hopeful that leads to increased foot traffic around town.”
While anyone can play, prizes are awarded locally, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are reminded to respect private property, remain in public spaces and avoid unsafe behavior while searching for the token.
As the first hunt approaches, Renner said anticipation has been building.
“I’m most excited to see what kind of interest we’ve picked up over the last few months and how many people will show up and participate,” he said.
Hub City Hunt is free to play, with no purchase necessary. Participants must follow the official Instagram account for clues and updates, and winners must submit proof from the location and provide valid identification.
More information, official rules and updates are available online at hubcityhunt.com and on Instagram.
