Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run

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

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 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 .

The 11th Annual SUP & RUN 5K presented by Charles Schwab or Sarasota event will be held at Nathan Benderson Park to benefit RUCK9 (www.RUCK9.com)

The SUP & RUN 5K gives athletes three great races in one to choose from.

• 5K RUN

• 5K Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) OR

• 5K SUP & 5K RUN

(There is a start line mat (chip) for the combination SUP & RUN)

Athletes participating in the combination SUP & RUN will run the 5K first and then hop on their paddle board for a 5K paddle around Nathan Benderson Park. The SUP & RUN 5K draws top runners and SUP'ers who compete for cash prizes but it's our not-so-serious athletes who have the most prominent place in the event.

Athletes participating in the SUP portion of the race MUST know how to swim. If you are not able to swim, you may not participate in the SUP portion.

The SUP & RUN 5K is a family style event.

WALKERS ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend.

Why choose the SUP & RUN 5K?

1. Every finisher receives a custom finisher medal.

2. The race shirts are AMAZING!

3. AWARDS GO 6 DEEP IN EACH 5 YEAR AGE GROUP!

4. SWAG, to quote a participant, "this race SWAG is truly head and shoulders above most races"

5. The food & post-race celebration party is FUN! FUN!

6. Whoa! There is a beer garden, a SIP & RUM station and AMAZING VENDORS where you can buy really cool stuff AND

7. The Athletes, Vendors, Sponsors, and Spectators: ALL CELEBRATING OUR Uniquely Created Canines!

RACE DAY/TIME

Saturday, May 2, 2026

All Races Start at 8 AM sharp!

If renting a paddleboard, please arrive by 7 AM to secure your board & paddle.

2026 Packet Pick-Up Times, Dates and Locations

Wednesday, April 29th | 4PM - 7PM | TBA

Thursday, April 30th | 4PM – 7PM | TBA |

Friday, May 1st | 4PM – 7PM | Nathan Benderson Park (at the Finishing Tower) | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle (34235)

Need more reasons? Visit our Facebook page for regular updates: SUP & RUN 5K

Celebrate what makes running fun — high-fives, endorphins, good friends. Come hang with Fleet Feet on Global Running Day, run a breezy 3.1 miles and make The Big Run an epic party.

The run-down on The Big Run:

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 at 6:00PM at Fleet Feet Sarasota

This is a fun run, it will not be chipped or timed.

Entry Fee: FREE! Open to runners and walkers of ALL ages and abilities. Children, families and dogs welcome!

5k route along surrounding roads and by the water

After the run, the celebration continues with beer, food, and all sorts of other goodies.

Ready to commit? Register for the Big Run now!

Pirates are taking over! Come show off your favorite pirate outfit; prizes will be awarded for outfit quality.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected by our judges!

Each runner will receive:

Snacks and refreshments

A stylish t-shirt

Recognizing Top Performers:

We will honor the top three male and female finishers in each age group, so lace up those shoes and give it your best!

FREE BREAKFEST

Categories:

OA M/F> 5 year Age Group Awards

<24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

Enjoy the Atmosphere:

Important Pre-Race Details:

Stretch Session:

Join us 30 minutes before the race for a guided stretch session.

Meet the Race Director:

Take the opportunity to meet your new race director, who is excited to welcome you and support you throughout the event

Let’s Make It Fun!

We can’t wait to see you for a day filled with excitement, community spirit, and great memories.

Thank you for being part of the Independence 5K!

Happy Racing! 🏅🎉

🏃‍♀️ The Ultimate Run Series Challenge! 🏃‍♂️

Join us for four amazing runs throughout the year!

Flag Day Run

Independence Day Run

Labor Day Run

Veterans Mile

Here’s the deal:

✅ Participate in 3 out of the 4 runs and earn:

An amazing commemorative medal 🏅

Free breakfast at each run 🍳

30% off the Ugly Sweater Run in December 🎄

(Limited spots — early access for you before registration closes!)

All four of these runs share one incredible theme — celebrating unity, strength, and community spirit!

So lace up, come together, and let’s run stronger and more united than ever.

And seriously… wait until you see this medal!

Stay and enjoy the day with your own Picnic with friend and family.

Each runner will receive:

Snacks and refreshments

A stylish t-shirt

Recognizing Top Performers:

We will honor the top three male and female finishers in each age group, so lace up those shoes and give it your best!

FREE BREAKFEST

Categories:

OA M/F> 5 year Age Group Awards

<24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

Enjoy the Atmosphere:

Important Pre-Race Details:

Stretch Session:

Join us 30 minutes before the race for a guided stretch session.

Meet the Race Director:

Take the opportunity to meet your new race director, who is excited to welcome you and support you throughout the event

Let’s Make It Fun!

We can’t wait to see you for a day filled with excitement, community spirit, and great memories.

Thank you for being part of the Independence 5K!

Happy Racing! 🏅🎉