Save the Manatee 5K

Race Overview

• Event: Save the Manatee 5K
• Date: March 15, 2026
• Time: 8 a.m. ET
• Location: 2100 W. French Ave, Orange City, FL at Blue Spring State Park

Race Description

• Goal: Help save the manatee by participating in the 22nd Annual Save the Manatee 5K.
• Inaugural Event: This is the first Save the Manatee 5K in Florida, the manatee’s home state.
• Course: The scenic, flat Spring-to-Spring Trail adjacent to Blue Spring State Park.
• Family-Friendly: Runners, walkers, and even dogs are welcome!

Participation Options

• In-Person: Includes park admission, race shirt, finisher medal, and race bib.
• Virtual: Participate from anywhere, choosing your activity and distance.
• Virtual Registration: Includes postage, shirt, medal, and race bib.
• Meet Manatees: After the race, you may see some manatees in the spring run.

Packet Pick-Up

• Location: Save the Manatee Club’s headquarters in Longwood, FL.
• Schedule: November 10 th – 14 th from noon – 4 p.m.
• Race Day Pick-Up: Available starting at 6:30 a.m. at Blue Spring State Park.

Event Schedule

• 6:30 a.m.: Packet Pickup & Registration Opens
• 8:00 a.m.: Race Starts

Finishers Medal

• Custom Medals: Provided to the first 500 registered participants.

Kids Activities

• Free Stuffed Manatee: Available for children 12 and under (in-person only).

Awards

• Top Finishers: Awards for the Top 3 overall male and female finishers.

Parking

• Location: Parking will be inside Blue Spring State Park.
• Admission: Park admission is included in the registration fee.

Proceeds

• Benefit: Proceeds support Save the Manatee Club.

Timing &: Scoring

• Timing Method: Race will be timed and scored with a disposable chip.
• Chip Location: Chip will be attached to the back of the bib.

More Information

• Registration Link: Save the Manatee 5K Registration