3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

🐢 3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

Saturday March 21, 2026
Okeeheelee Park - West Palm Beach
Micanopy Pavilion

🎉 Join the Celebration

• Event Purpose: 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!
• Community Impact: Gopher Tortoises 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.
• Host Organization: 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.
• Event Registration: 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

• Race Path: The 5K will run/walk through beautiful Okeeheelee Park, starting and finishing at Micanopy Pavilion.
• Timings: The 5K is a chipped timed event and will provide awards 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 Friendly: This is a family event and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. Sign up early and save.

💰 Fee Schedule

FEE SCHEDULE:
March 22, 2025 - March 22,2025 - $25.00
March 23, 2025 - December 31, 2025 - $35.00
January 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026 - $37.50
March 1, 2026 - March 20, 2026 - $39.50
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 pickup 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: Okeeheelee Park, Micanopy Pavilion, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33413. Micanopy Pavilion is on the west side of the park. Arrive early for closer parking.
• 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.

📍 Location Information

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