2 events in Charlotte County, Florida

Babcock Ranch is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Race for the Planet 5K! This year race is at a new location, starting and finishing at the William & Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex.

All runners and walkers will receive a custom-designed Race for the Planet shirt. Shirt cutoff: April 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Age-based pricing for participants 18 & under is just $20.00!

Early Packet Pickup: Wednesday, April 15 thru Friday, April 17, 2026, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Babcock Ranch Lifestyle Office, 42911 Lake Babcock Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

Race Day Parking: William & Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex,17100 Palmetto Pass Ln, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. Overflow parking is available at: Babcock Ranch Field House, 43281 Cypress Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Race Day Packet Pickup: 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM, William & Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex

Race Day Registration: 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM. $40.00 (Adults), $20.00 (Ages 18 & under). Credit card, Apple Pay, and checks are accepted.

Please bring your phone if you plan to register on race morning. Participants will self-register and then receive a race bib.

Race/Walk Start Time: 7:30 AM. Walkers start in the back of the event.

Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt so your race number is clearly visible.

Post race food and beverages are provided after the race in the outdoor pavilion.

Bathrooms are located at the sports complex.

AWARDS:

1st Place Overall Awards - Male & Female.

1st Place Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters - Male & Female

In-person awards to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

9 & under, 10–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80+

Q: Is this a timed race?

A: Yes the 5K is chip-timed provided by Beach Bum Timing.

Q: What is the course surface like?

A: The course is trails and sidewalks.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the course?

A: You may run with your dog, but you assume ALL responsibility for your dog. You must maintain proper social distancing and pick up after your pooch.

Q: Are strollers allowed on the course?

A: Strollers will have a difficult time on the trails.

Q: Is the course good for spectators?

A: Yes at the start and finish

RACE CONTACT INFO:

If you have any questions about this race, please contact:

Liz Ogle - Race Director, Email: [email protected]

Run through the diverse woods and shaded hammocks of Gator Wilderness Camp School grounds, situated on 250 pristine acres. Come to enjoy the beautiful scenery while testing your skill and stamina in a 5k,10k or 15k race. All race entry proceeds will benefit Gator Wilderness Camp School.

Gator Wilderness Camp School is a 501(c)(3) residential school for struggling adolescent males between the ages of 10-15 years old from Southwest Florida.

Shirts are guaranteed for all registrations received by April 1.

Awards:

Awards will be given to the 5k Overall & all Masters finishers for both males and females and top 3 finishers in 5 year age groups for both males and females. 5k is <8 - 80>

Awards 10K/15K Overall Finishers and top 3 finishers in 5 year age groups for both males and females. 10k,15k is <19-75>

Join us for a 5k, 10k or 15k race with plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Post-race we will be hosting a kids fun dash for ages 2-12.

Special pricing for Cross Country runners age 15-18 of $20 per student good until April 20th.

Kids Price 14 n under $15.00 for the 5k only.

We do not encourage 14 and under to run longer than the 5k if you feel your child can run the 10k or 15k please email us.

Gator Wilderness Camp is adding a virtual event.

To mimic the race day experience, We are limiting the event to a one-day virtual race;

We want those who want to support the camp to also enjoy the experience and receive a race shirt.

Your shirt will arrive after the event and will be shipped USPS Flat rate box.

Race Day Registration and packet pick-up from 6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. entry fee $40 On Site Registration

YOU WILL NEED YOUR PHONE,(You must bring a phone to register.)

$50 per person including children. The race starts promptly at 8 a.m.

No pets allowed. Due to the nature of the race, no running strollers will be allowed in the trial run.

Packets not picked up before the start of the race will be forfeited.

Come to enjoy the day with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Biscuits and gravy Bacon hash brown casserole Sausage links Bacon on a stick Molasses cookies Açai bowls Fresh fruit Chocolate milk, orange juice, milk.