Amazing New York Race

Press

Personal Reviews

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you both did to make sure our afternoon adventure last Friday was a success. And based on the laughing and stories in the office today, it definitely was! Everyone had a great time, and Kori, you were an excellent guide! Thank you!! I’ll definitely be suggesting Pogo events to friends!!" - Kasey Freer, Hudson Americas 2011

"We signed up for The Amazing New York Race for our friend's bachelorette party. Mary, Nicole, and the rest of the team tailored the whole race to her! The Bride-to-be LOVED it. We were given our own race website and participants could sign up and pay individually. Mary was in constant contact with me before the race to really make it reflect our friend's life and she worked hard to find a great location to start and end the race. We laughed throughout the day and our friend honestly couldn't stop talking about how much fun she was having. When the race ended, several of the participants asked for information about other hunts from Pogo Events! As the organizer, it was such an easy and fun way to plan an unforgettable event. I know we'll be talking about our day for a long time." - Angela regarding Bhavi's Bachelorette Race August 28, 2010

"Thank you so much to Mary and Jen from Pogo Events! Our bride to be truly enjoyed her Bachelorette Amazing Race in Manhattan. All 8 of us were so happy we decided to have Pogo Events arrange everything for us! It truly was an Amazing time!" - Brigida's Bachelorette August 7th, 2010

"If you guys want a reason to enjoy nice weather and a day outdoors, while losing weight and meeting strangers (great reason to stop a cute guy), while taking goofy pictures and seeing parts of the city you either haven't seen or haven't payed close attention, to this is for you. Or if you just want to have a damn good time." - Kamile, April 2011

"This race was such a blast!! We were running around like crazy all over the city taking pictures with strangers, going to different locations doing funny stunts. It was hilarious! I'm born and raised in NY and never experienced the city this way. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to have a great time. Who said us New Yorkers are rude? Everyone we asked to take pictures with were such good sports and New York's Finest (Cops) were so helpful in letting us know where some of the clues were located. Everyone got a kick out of it! We're doing this again for sure! " - Jeanie, April 2010 Teams of Two Race

"We did the race as part of our Holiday office party we had so much fun although it was cold we were able to do most of our task. Is a great experience for any occasion. You will have a lot of fun in the process." - Alexandra, December 2010

"It was a great way to spend the day and we were like lunatics racing around the City. We had so much fun and were literally sprinting to the finish line." - Cindy, 2010 Underground Race

"I organized a team building event for my department doing the Amazing New York Race. We had colleagues in from San Francisco for the week and decided to hold the event during this time so they could benefit as well. From the beginning planning stages, Mary at POGO events was incredible helping to get everything organized. They were even able to buy the metrocards for us in advance to help save time on the day of the race. We divided ourselves in 5 teams and captained each team with someone that knew the city pretty well. All I have to say is wow, the places we had to find were hardly ones I had ever visited before! My team and I had so much fun running trhough the city trying to decide the best way to get where and stopping people along the way to take pictures with us. While the majority were more than willing and got a kick out of us, we did run into a few that wanted nothing to do with us which is understandable. We shortened our race to only 2 hours because of time constaints but we couldve easily gone 3 to 4 hours. All in all it was a great day and everyone had an amazing time!" - Shannon, November 2010

"My friends and I really had a great time on Sunday!!! It's so fun to go running around Manhattan looking for things that you might pass every day/week but no longer pay that much attention to." - Michelle. 2010 Underground Race

"Everyone had a great time. We want to do it on an annual basis! Thanks to you and your team for an amazing day. We had so much fun and it was a great way for old friends to compete and new friends to be made." - Dan E. 2009 Race

"Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. It was a great "get your butt off the couch" motivation. The thing that struck me the most about the race was how helpful New Yorkers are. All those we encountered, whether they were people we wanted to take photos with or people we asked to be our photographers, were very friendly and supportive. We had a very amazing time. We wish you the very best of luck and whenever you're in doubt, please remember the joy you bring into people's lives. To quote one of the movies: "Do you have joy in your life? Do you bring joy to others' lives?" You certainly do the latter." - Jenet and David, 2009 Underground Race

"What an amazing corporate team building event! As a Human Resources executive for an ad agency, I’m always looking at creative ways to build community for my organization that would resonate with employees. I first participated personally in some of Pogo’s races and had an incredible time. I approached Pogo to create an event for a summer internship program a couple of years back. We used it as a way to set the stage for the interns as they prepared for a team-based assignment and it turned out great. Last year, when I needed an innovative idea for our annual summer outing, Pogo worked with me to develop a customized program that incorporated company history, information about our clients, and their signature NY style. Initially our leadership team was skeptical about having almost 100 employees running around NYC in the hot summer sun, but it resulted in the most memorable event our company has ever had. The only downside: finding something this year that will even come close." - Eric M. Bacolas, SPHR, Vice President, Human Resources

"Hi humans! I'm Preston, the punk rock pomeranian from Greatest American Dog, on CBS. The NYC Doggie Amazing Race is one of my favorite memories with my mom, Laura. And we've traveled all over the world, doing pretty amazing things together! What a fun adventure we had, exploring the sites and sounds (and smells!) of NYC... challenging our minds and bodies... all the while making new human AND dog friends. Many people TALK about exploring alternative ways to spend quality time with your dog... it's refreshing and impressive to see how Mary Catanzaro actually made her vision a reality. We can't wait to return for the next Dog Amazing Race... and hopes that Pogo Events brings the fun to Los Angeles! Mom and I are on a mission to make the world a happier, healthier more good-dog-friendly place... and the Dog Amazing Race is the most creative, unique opportunity for humans to bond with their dogs that we've ever experienced. Kudos to everyone who joined us, and helped make it a success... Mary, thank you for welcoming us in the 2008 Race!" - Preston Casanova
dictated, but not pawed by my mom, Laura Nativo www.prestonsplanet.com

"Pogo's amazing race awakened me to the nooks and crannies of the city that reside in plain sight. Beyond the thrill of the chase and the hunt of competition, it makes one acutely aware of the oft-overlooked particulars in our urban environment: Where in Central Park did I see that statue? Where on the LES did I pass that store?" - Dom R., 2008 Race

"I had the most AMAZING time! Running the race was a life dream fulfilled!" - Gary R.

"The Dog Friendly Amazing New York Race was my first race with POGO and I had a blast. So did my dog Bandit! It was very well organized, and really challenged you to think creatively and competitively. I will definitely recommend this race (not just the dog friendly one) to all my friends!!" -Wendy S., Dog Friendly Race 2008

"The Amazing New York Race is one of the most fun experiences that I have had in NYC. As a native New Yorker, it was great to explore new parts of the city as we ran and traveled through the city. On our first race, we were directed to a garden in Central Park that I had never been to and I live just a few blocks from the park. I could only imagine how enjoyable it would be for a tourist visiting NYC for the first time. Figuring out clues, completing tasks and taking pictures with strangers on the street, in stores and on the subway was truly an adrenaline rush. To date, I have participated in two races and I can't wait until the next one as each race is such a unique and awesome adventure." - Anthony P., 2008 Race

"The Amazing New York Race really made me appreciate how much there is to offer in this city. A combination of fun, excitement, competition and adrenaline made this one of the most exciting and different activities I have done while living in NY. Thumbs up!" - Jill R., 2008 Race

"I did the Amazing New York Race over the summer with a bunch of friends. We had the best time running around the city trying to figure out the clues, doing the tasks and taking pictures of it along the way. We laughed the whole day. We got to pick our own team name and had the option to wear team shirts, outfits or whatever. The stories that we created that day still live on. We still laugh when we look at the pictures. What a great way to spend the day. I can't wait to do it again." - Elise B., 2008 Race

"The Amazing New York Race has been a great experience. I particularly loved the past Halloween race. I greatly appreciate all the attention that is put into each clue... it's makes finding them that much better. The Amazing New York Race has provided me with a great time with my friends, a way to see the city in a whole new light, and wonderful stories to tell. I would highly recommend the race to everyone, because it is definitely an experience that you won't soon forget. Thanks Mary for always organizing an uniquely memorable time!" - Moneek M., 2008 Races

"The Amazing NY Race is exactly what it sounds like; a scavenger hunt inspired by everyone's favorite TV show. It's like an eclectic tour of NY on speed - racing from odd tourist attractions to hidden statues all in the midst of the millions of people moving about the borough of Manhattan. It's the greatest distraction and the most fun you'll have without leaving the city. Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable companions and your desire to win. I love running in the race every summer. I've gotten multiple friends to join in and they've all come back to share it with their friends. The head to head race to the finish line competition is awesome." - Matthew S., Summer 2006 and Summer 2007

"I'm a runner, but I've never done a race like this before. My team & I ran around NYC to uncover some hidden gems of this city. Who knew Manhattan houses a piece of the Berlin Wall, an African burial ground site, or a wonderful statue of Mahatma Gandhi?! After this race my team & I had a better appreciation of just how diverse our city really is. We were the victorious team, and it was due to collecting take-out menus for almost 30 different cuisines...now that's a lot of types of food! Since the race I've shown friends some of the treasures I uncovered from this experience, and overall I had a great time participating in this race." - Tina Mehta, American Express Corporate Race, Summer 2007

"We had a blast! What a great way to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones! If you're looking for a fun way to see the Big Apple, this is a great alternative to sitting on a bus or getting lost on your own! Our team cannot wait to do defend our title!" - Laura, Suzy, Deborah and Joe, Summer 2007

"I love the Amazing Race show; I've never missed an episode. When I came across the ad on Craigslist I couldn't resist signing up. I've lost track but I've competed at least 4 – 5 times. Each time I've introduce a new friend to come out and run around the city with me. It's a great work out; it's fun, adventurous, creative, educational and exciting. Mary will always have a promoter and get free advertising from me. I can't resist, due to a busy 2007 I was not able to compete in all the races but I'm gearing up for 2008." - Debrah Brooklyn, New York

"The Amazing New York Race is the most fun you can have on a Sunday afternoon! It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and bond with old friends. I can't wait to do it again." - Nicole, Summer 2007

"Amazing New York Race is a great way to reconnect with your close friends or a unique way to experience NYC with friends visiting from out of town. Of course, for competitive types like us, the best part was winning it!" - Vadim K., Summer 2007

"Thank you for inviting us to participate in the Amazing Race, we had so much fun and a lot of laughs! Where else can you learn about hidden treasures in NYC, sing Karaoke, ride a tricycle, cross paths with a Parade and make new friends all in one day! We look forward to the next Race and crossing the finish line first!" - Beth, Participant in Friends and Family Race 8/13/06

"The Amazing New York Race was a fantastic, exciting adventure. It was a great way to meet new people, learn odd facts about the city, and gets lots of exercise and fresh air!" - Laura, New Jersey Young Professionals, www.njyp.org

"Mary organizes fun & entertaining races. I thoroughly enjoyed gallivanting all over NYC, singing, collecting menus, and meeting new people to try and win the race! :)"- Meredith, "Some of the Girls" member