8TH ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC HERMIT CRAB CHALLENGE

The Crab is King at this one-of-a-kind event that’s fun for the whole family! The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge will be held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on the beach at 30th Street from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, July 11, 2009.

Registration begins at 9:30am and all participants must be registered by Noon in order to race.




Preliminary hermit crab races lead to the Crustacean 500, where the winner is awarded the “Order of the Mercury Claw” trophy. Crabs race on a specially-designed circular track, where all the “crabtestants” are placed in the center. At the sound of the starting horn, crabs scurry to the outer ring of the track. Whichever claw crosses the line first wins. It’s the survival of the “crabbiest!”

Along with the Crustacean 500 race, participants may enter the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant. At the pageant, hermit crabs are presented in uniquely-decorated displays and judged on beauty and creativity. Hermit crab owners are encouraged to build a unique display for their crab. Past winners have included themed entries like “Spider Crab,” “Hermit the Hulk,” “Beauty and the Crab,” and “Pirates of the Crabibbean!” Aside from 1st, 2nd, And 3rd Place winners, special trophies are also awarded for the Friendliest Crab, Biggest Crab, Shyest Crab, Most Unique Crab Display, Prettiest Crab Shell, Most Athletic Crab, and Most Traveled Crab.

Approximately 300 hermit crabs participate in the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge each year. Many of these come from out of state just to be with us!
ALL participants will receive a medal for being a part of the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge.

There are no fees for entering the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge; the event is free for both participants and spectators.

All participants are encouraged to arrive by 10:00am to begin the registration process.

The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge is sponsored by The Oceanfront Inn (host hotel for discriminating hermit crabs and their owners!), the City of Virginia Beach, and Integrated Management Group.