40th Annual Run for the Turtles

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

40th Annual Run for the Turtles Sign Up Donate Early Packet Pickup for Mote’s 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 Laboratory’s 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 .