3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

Date and Location

• Date: Saturday March 21, 2026
• Location: Okeeheelee Park - West Palm Beach
• Pavilion: Micanopy Pavilion
• Address: 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL

Event Overview

Do you know the official state tortoise of the Sunshine State? If you said Gopher Tortoise, then you should shell-a-brate by participating in this 5K! Although Gopher Tortoises are not known for their speed, they play an integral role in the ecosystem. As a keystone species they create burrows that support the lives of over 360 different types of animals. The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host their inaugural Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K and cordially invite you to join in the fun. We look forward to you joining us Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Okeeheelee Park by running or walking as fast as you can....or at least as fast as a tortoise!

Race Details

• Course: The 5K will run/walk through beautiful Okeeheelee Park.
• Timing: The 5K is a chipped timed event.
• Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 overall (male and female) and top 3 in each age group.
• Participant Perks: Each participant will receive a personalized bib with RFID timing chip, event shirt, and beautiful finisher medal.

Family Participation

This is a family event and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. Sign up early and save.

Fee Schedule

• Initial Registration: March 22, 2025 - March 22, 2025 - $25.00
• Early Registration: March 23, 2025 - December 31, 2025 - $35.00
• Standard Registration: January 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026 - $37.50
• Late Registration: March 1, 2026 - March 20, 2026 - $39.50
• Day of Event: March 21, 2026 - $50.00

Please note, race day signup is not guaranteed an event shirt.

Event Schedule

• Friday March 20, 2026: 4:00pm - 6:30pm at Buffalo Wild Wings, 2837 S. State Rd 7, Wellington, FL 33414. *You may pick up for friends and family as well. You will need a digital copy of their I.D. as confirmation of their approval.
• Saturday March 21, 2026:
• 6:15am - Park gates open: Registration and Packet Pickup Open
• 6:30am - Music and entertainment begin
• 6:45am - Meet SPARKY - our race ambassador and OAKLY - Parks & Recreation Department mascot
• 7:10am - 5K Fitness Warmup
• 7:25am - Announcements and National Anthem
• 7:30am - Start of the Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K
• 8:00am - Healthy snacks after you complete your 5K
• 8:25am - Dancing and Partying with DJ Petey
• 8:45am - Awards Ceremony
• 9:00am - Shell-A-Bration (Nature Center) - See information below

Registration

For more information and to register, visit the event page: Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K Registration.