From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
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):
Kids (13 & Under):
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
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 [email protected] .
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources hosts the Sandy Claws Beach Run. Now in its 50th year, the run is a fixture in the running community of Sarasota. Set a fast pace on the hard-packed, world-renowned Siesta Beach sand in the 5K run, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Or, enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along the shore in the 1-mile fun run.
Proceeds benefit “Summer in the Parks” Adopt-A-Camper scholarship fund.
For more information, including discount codes for youth groups of ten or more, call 311.
Early packet pickup at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road, Thursday, Dec. 10, 3-6 p.m. or you may pick up your packet on race day before 8:10 am.
• 5K Race is chip-timed and sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club.
• Finisher medals for all participants.
• Custom awards to first through sixth place finishers in all age categories.
• Music, food and raffle prizes!
• Holiday-themed costume contest!
• Register by Nov. 20 for best price and to receive long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner goodies (no-shows forfeit these items).
• Nov. 21 or after and day-of registrants receive event shirt and runner goodies while supplies last.
• 5K family rate discount only applies to up to four people. Use multi-person pricing when registering for discount to apply.