40th Annual Run for the Turtles
- Date Sat 11th April 2026 - Sun 12th April 2026
- Time 7:30AM EDT
- Location Siesta Key, Florida
- Price $43.90 - $49.20
- Races 3 races
- Distances 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles on April 11-12, 2026, in beautiful Sarasota, Florida! Held on the stunning Siesta Key Beach, this exciting event is not just a race; it's a celebration of community and conservation, supporting the vital Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Kick off the festivities on Saturday, April 11th, with packet pick-up and early morning warm-up starting at 6:30 AM. Participants can choose between a fun 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:30 AM and a chip-timed 5K run at 8:00 AM, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Everyone will enjoy a complimentary race t-shirt and access to delightful food stations, family-friendly activities, and awards for the top finishers. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual race option is available, allowing you to support this noble cause from anywhere. Bring your family, friends, and a reusable water bottle, and help us make a positive impact on sea turtle conservation while enjoying a fantastic day at the beach!
Kick off the festivities on Saturday, April 11th, with packet pick-up and early morning warm-up starting at 6:30 AM. Participants can choose between a fun 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:30 AM and a chip-timed 5K run at 8:00 AM, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Everyone will enjoy a complimentary race t-shirt and access to delightful food stations, family-friendly activities, and awards for the top finishers. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual race option is available, allowing you to support this noble cause from anywhere. Bring your family, friends, and a reusable water bottle, and help us make a positive impact on sea turtle conservation while enjoying a fantastic day at the beach!
Organiser's Description
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SEA TURTLES!
Mote Marine Laboratory's 40th Annual Run for the Turtles will be held on Saturday, April 11th 2026, and we can't wait to see you on Siesta Key Beach!
Location: 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242 [https://www.google.com/maps/place/941+Beach+Rd,+Siesta+Key,+FL+34242/@27.267243,-82.5527656,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c341f07667ad05:0x1727ac391b56303!8m2!3d27.267243!4d-82.5505769]
The schedule of events is as follows:
* 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
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.
This Run is the major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program [https://mote.org/research/program/sea-turtle-conservation-research] at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
RACE PRICING (PRICES ARE THE SAME FOR THE 1 MILE & 5K):
Adults (14 & Up):
* $40 Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026
Kids (13 & Under):
* $30 Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026
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: _packets will also be available to be picked up on race morning_
* TBD
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!
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles? Contact Danielle Dwyer, at ddwyer@mote.org .
Mote Marine Laboratory's 40th Annual Run for the Turtles will be held on Saturday, April 11th 2026, and we can't wait to see you on Siesta Key Beach!
Location: 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242 [https://www.google.com/maps/place/941+Beach+Rd,+Siesta+Key,+FL+34242/@27.267243,-82.5527656,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c341f07667ad05:0x1727ac391b56303!8m2!3d27.267243!4d-82.5505769]
The schedule of events is as follows:
* 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
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.
This Run is the major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program [https://mote.org/research/program/sea-turtle-conservation-research] at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
RACE PRICING (PRICES ARE THE SAME FOR THE 1 MILE & 5K):
Adults (14 & Up):
* $40 Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026
Kids (13 & Under):
* $30 Regular Pricing through April 11, 2026
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: _packets will also be available to be picked up on race morning_
* TBD
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!
Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles? Contact Danielle Dwyer, at ddwyer@mote.org .
Races
-
1-Mile Fun Run or Walk
Incl. $3.90 Fee & 1 - Mile Fun Run T-Shirt
Sat 11th April 2026 (7:30AM EDT)
$43.90
-
Virtual Fun Run or Walk
Incl. $3.90 Fee & Virtual Fun Run T-Shirt
$43.90
Mote Marine Laboratory's 40th Annual Run for the Turtles Virtual Fun Run or Walk may be completed now through April 11, 2026 at your leisure. Virtual participants will receive a race t-shirt in the mail at the physical address submitted during the event registration process. Your t-shirt may be shipped up to 60 days after April 11, 2026. Please bear with us, as we work as quickly as possible to fulfill all orders. -
5K Manasota Track Club - Sanctioned Run
Incl. $4.20 Fee & 5k Race T-Shirt
Sat 11th April 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$49.20
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Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Road), Siesta Key Gazebo (South of the Pavilion), Siesta Key, 34242, FL, United States
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40th Annual Run for the Turtles
