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
- Races 3 races
- Distances 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles, taking place from April 11th to April 12th, 2026, at the stunning Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida! This exciting event is not only a fantastic opportunity for runners and families to enjoy a day in the sun, but it also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Kick off the festivities on Saturday with packet pick-up starting at 6:30 AM, followed by a warm-up session at 7:00 AM. Choose between the 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:30 AM or the chip-timed 5K Run at 8:00 AM, both perfect for participants of all ages. With awards for top finishers and a family-friendly atmosphere complete with kids' activities, this event promises a memorable experience for everyone. Don't forget to bring your reusable water bottle to support our eco-friendly mission! Whether you're participating virtually or in-person, your involvement directly aids in protecting our beloved sea turtles. Mark your calendars for this uplifting event and make a difference while having fun in the beautiful Florida sun!
Kick off the festivities on Saturday with packet pick-up starting at 6:30 AM, followed by a warm-up session at 7:00 AM. Choose between the 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:30 AM or the chip-timed 5K Run at 8:00 AM, both perfect for participants of all ages. With awards for top finishers and a family-friendly atmosphere complete with kids' activities, this event promises a memorable experience for everyone. Don't forget to bring your reusable water bottle to support our eco-friendly mission! Whether you're participating virtually or in-person, your involvement directly aids in protecting our beloved sea turtles. Mark your calendars for this uplifting event and make a difference while having fun in the beautiful Florida sun!
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_
40th Annual Run for the Turtles
Sign Up
Donate
Early Packet Pickup for Motes 40th Annual Run for the Turtles!
Saturday, April 11th | Siesta Key Beach
Thank you for registering for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles every registration directly supports Mote Marine Laboratorys Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program, helping protect and rehabilitate sea turtles along our coasts.
Early packet pickup with be occurring on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10.
Thursday, April 9
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 10
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!
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_
40th Annual Run for the Turtles
Sign Up
Donate
Early Packet Pickup for Motes 40th Annual Run for the Turtles!
Saturday, April 11th | Siesta Key Beach
Thank you for registering for the 40th Annual Run for the Turtles every registration directly supports Mote Marine Laboratorys Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program, helping protect and rehabilitate sea turtles along our coasts.
Early packet pickup with be occurring on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10.
Thursday, April 9
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 10
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!
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
CLOSED -
Virtual Fun Run or Walk
Incl. $3.90 Fee & Virtual Fun Run T-Shirt
$43.90
CLOSEDMote 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. $3.90 Fee & 5k Race T-Shirt
Sat 11th April 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$43.90
CLOSED
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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
