Gopher Weedon Trail Run
- Date Sat 25th October 2025
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Saint Petersburg, Florida
- Price $43.40
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the 12th Annual Gopher Weedon Trail Run on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the picturesque Weedon Island Preserve, located in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County. This exciting 8K (4.9 miles) trail run takes participants through one of Tampa Bay's hidden gems, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of native Florida habitats. The course winds through mangroves, salt marshes, and Florida scrub, offering breathtaking views of Tampa Bay and the chance to encounter local wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise, which inspired the event's name.
Don't miss this professionally-timed race that encourages both runners and walkers to experience the great outdoors! After the race, enjoy refreshments and explore the Cultural and Natural History Center to learn more about the area's rich history. Advance packet pick-up is available on Friday, October 24, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Feet First St. Pete, with race morning packet pickup from 6:45 AM to 7:45 AM. Remember, there will be no race day registration due to parking limitations, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable event and prepare for a
Don't miss this professionally-timed race that encourages both runners and walkers to experience the great outdoors! After the race, enjoy refreshments and explore the Cultural and Natural History Center to learn more about the area's rich history. Advance packet pick-up is available on Friday, October 24, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Feet First St. Pete, with race morning packet pickup from 6:45 AM to 7:45 AM. Remember, there will be no race day registration due to parking limitations, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable event and prepare for a
Organiser's Description
The Friends of Weedon Island are excited to announce the 12th Annual Gopher Weedon 8K Trail Run. It will be held on October 26, 2024.
THE RACE IS A GO! THE COURSE HAS BEEN MODIFIED DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE STORMS TO INCLUDE A LITTLE MORE ROADWAY ALONG WITH THE BOARDWALKS AND STILL WITH THE CHANCE TO "RING THE BELL" ATOP THE TOWER WITH VIEWS OF THE PRESERVE.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! You will be able to register online until 6:30 PM Friday or in-person at St Pete Feet First between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the advance packet pick.
Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Go-pher something different and enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems!
The Gopher Weedon trail run will take runners and walkers along a journey through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. This unique, professionally-timed race will take place at the Weedon Island Preserve - a 3,700-acre preserve nestled along Tampa Bay in northeast St. Petersburg. The race course winds through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails. Runners may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named), as well as relic Indian mounds and dune ridges left by the preserves earliest inhabitants.
After the race, enjoy refreshments before strolling through the Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can learn more about the prehistoric people and the natural environment.
All proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that supports environmental preservation and education at the Weedon Island Preserve.
All registered runners/walkers will receive:
* Technical Race T-shirt
* Professional race timing and race results
* Overall top male & female awards and age group awards
* Refreshments and aid stations
* Educational and cultural activities at the cultural center.
* No Race Day Registration due to parking limitations
EVENT DETAILS AND SCHEDULE
ADVANCE PACKET PICK UP: Friday before the race, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Feet First St. Pete, 4949 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703. Certificate Drawing on Saturday to include all who pick-up their packet on the Friday Advance Pick-up
Race Morning Packet Pickup: 6:45 a.m. -7:45 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center.
Pets are not permitted in the Preserve. Please do not bring them Race Day.
Strollers welcomed in the Preserve; but, due to trail surfaces, NOT on the Race Course.
Parking will be in the Cultural and Natural History Center Parking Lot. SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE CARPOOL with your friends. Volunteers will direct you to overflow parking (as needed)
Bug Spray suggested
Race begins at promptly at 8:00 a.m.
THE RACE IS A GO! THE COURSE HAS BEEN MODIFIED DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE STORMS TO INCLUDE A LITTLE MORE ROADWAY ALONG WITH THE BOARDWALKS AND STILL WITH THE CHANCE TO "RING THE BELL" ATOP THE TOWER WITH VIEWS OF THE PRESERVE.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! You will be able to register online until 6:30 PM Friday or in-person at St Pete Feet First between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the advance packet pick.
Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Go-pher something different and enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems!
The Gopher Weedon trail run will take runners and walkers along a journey through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. This unique, professionally-timed race will take place at the Weedon Island Preserve - a 3,700-acre preserve nestled along Tampa Bay in northeast St. Petersburg. The race course winds through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails. Runners may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named), as well as relic Indian mounds and dune ridges left by the preserves earliest inhabitants.
After the race, enjoy refreshments before strolling through the Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can learn more about the prehistoric people and the natural environment.
All proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that supports environmental preservation and education at the Weedon Island Preserve.
All registered runners/walkers will receive:
* Technical Race T-shirt
* Professional race timing and race results
* Overall top male & female awards and age group awards
* Refreshments and aid stations
* Educational and cultural activities at the cultural center.
* No Race Day Registration due to parking limitations
EVENT DETAILS AND SCHEDULE
ADVANCE PACKET PICK UP: Friday before the race, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Feet First St. Pete, 4949 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703. Certificate Drawing on Saturday to include all who pick-up their packet on the Friday Advance Pick-up
Race Morning Packet Pickup: 6:45 a.m. -7:45 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center.
Pets are not permitted in the Preserve. Please do not bring them Race Day.
Strollers welcomed in the Preserve; but, due to trail surfaces, NOT on the Race Course.
Parking will be in the Cultural and Natural History Center Parking Lot. SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE CARPOOL with your friends. Volunteers will direct you to overflow parking (as needed)
Bug Spray suggested
Race begins at promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Races
-
8K Trail Run
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Tech Race Shirt
Sat 25th October 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$43.40
OPENS MAY 25Be advised, it is an outside trail run. Nature and her beauty are involved so there may be mud. Plan accordingly.
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