40th Annual Run for the Turtles

40th Annual Run for the Turtles

Thank you for supporting sea turtles!

Mote Marine Laboratory's 40th Annual Run for the Turtles will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2027, and we can't wait to see you on Siesta Key Beach!

Location

Location: 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242

Schedule of Events

• 6:30AM: Packet pick up & race day registration opens
• 7:00AM: Warm Up!
• 7:30AM: 1 Mile Fun Run
• 8:00AM: 5K Run sanctioned by Manasota Track Club
• Award ceremony: to follow 5K

Virtual Participation

If you can't be here....don't fret. You can support our program by registering for and participating in our virtual race again this year.

Fundraising Purpose

This Run is the major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Race Pricing

Adults (14 & Up):

• $40: Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026

Kids (13 & Under):

• $30: Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026

Registration Benefits

Race registration (for both the 1 Mile Fun Run & 5K) includes a complimentary race t-shirt, access to the food station, kids activities area & more! This event is family-friendly and spectators are welcome. All participants in the 1 Mile Fun Run will receive a finisher ribbon and prizes will be awarded for the overall male and female top finishers. The 5K race will be chip timed and sanctioned by Manasota Track Club. Awards will be given to the top 6 finishers by age group in addition to Overall Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Master etc. This run takes place on the beach so please plan accordingly! To help support our Eco-friendly mission at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, please bring your own reusable water bottle to the race! We will have multiple water stations for you to fill up at.

Early Packet Pickup

Early Packet Pickup:

Packets will also be available to be picked up on race morning.

Early packet pickup will be occurring on Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2.

Thursday, April 1: 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) located at 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL. Packet pickup will be under the drive towards the back of the building.

Friday, April 2: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mellow Mushroom, 6727 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL.

Race T-Shirts

We suggest completing your online registration as early as possible for the best chance of securing the t-shirt size you prefer. There will be a set inventory of each size. If your size is no longer available, please select the next best size. The T-Shirts for virtual participants can be expected to be delivered to the address you registered with around after the in-person event. Thank you for understanding!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles? Contact Danielle Dwyer at ddwyer@mote.org.

Join Us!

Sign Up and help protect and rehabilitate sea turtles along our coasts!