Whitney Lab 5K
5K · Fun Run · Walk · 2 mi
Apr 19, 2026 · Saint Augustine, Florida, US
Listed Feb 7, 2025
Run Vibes summary
AI-assistedAt a glance (AI-assisted text)
Run, walk, or jog a beautiful 5K on preserve trails to support marine science and the Whitney Laboratory, featuring a hard clam!
The vibe (AI-assisted text)
This 5K is all about celebrating marine science and supporting the vital programs at the Whitney Laboratory. Expect a friendly, community-focused atmosphere where runners, walkers, and joggers come together for a good cause. It's a chance to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to public education and critical student experiences.
Race day (AI-assisted text)
Race day kicks off early with packet pick-up for in-person participants before the 8:00 AM start. With a limit of 200 in-person participants, the event should feel intimate and manageable, avoiding large crowds. After completing the scenic loops, you can look forward to post-race refreshments, a nice way to refuel and connect with fellow participants.
Best for (AI-assisted text)
This event is perfect for marine science enthusiasts, casual runners, and walkers looking for a scenic and supportive 5K. It's also a great option for families or anyone wanting to contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying a morning outdoors.
Personality (AI-assisted text)
The Whitney Lab 5K has a warm, educational, and community-minded personality. It's less about setting personal bests and more about collective support for marine research and education. The quirky touch of a featured animal adds a unique, lighthearted element to the scientific mission.
Weather snapshot (AI-assisted text)
Held in April in St. Augustine, Florida, you can generally expect warm and potentially humid conditions. Mornings can be pleasant, but temperatures will likely rise as the day progresses. Hydration will be key, and dressing in light, breathable layers is advisable.
Terrain & course feel (AI-assisted text)
The course takes place on the River to Sea Preserve Trails, specifically mentioning the Matanzas Hammock Loop and South Hammock Loop. This suggests a natural, unpaved trail surface, likely flat given the Florida coastal environment, possibly with some tree cover through the 'hammock' sections.
Signals we noticed (from listing text, AI-assisted)
- Proceeds go to Whitney Laboratory gift fund
- Celebrates marine science
- Beautiful River to Sea Preserve trails mentioned
- Run, walk, or jog encouraged
- Featured animal: hard clam
- Race limited to 200 in-person participants
- Shirt and medal provided to all participants
- Post race refreshments mentioned
- First occurrence year 2025, event in 2026
This section is produced with AI from the listing we have on file—think of it as a quick orientation, not a rulebook. Organizers can update start times, courses, policies, and perks at any time, so when something really matters, please lean on their official race page for the latest. We don’t independently verify every detail against live organizer updates; we’re here to help you get a feel for the event and decide if you want to dig deeper.
Original listingFull description from sourceTap to expand · same text as on RunSignup / the official listing▾
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
River to Sea Preserve Trails, St. Augustine, FL, Town of Marineland
Lace up your shoes for marine science and join us for this year’s Whitney Lab 5K! Run, walk, or jog with us at the beautiful River to Sea Preserve trails (or anywhere with our virtual option) to celebrate marine science. This year's featured animal - the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)!
All 5K proceeds will go to the Whitney Laboratory gift fund, a fund that powers the lab's programming including community lectures, public education, facilities improvements, public events, and critical student experiences at the lab. It is essential to operating all the programs at the lab!
5K Registration
Race limited to only 200 in person participants!
Registration opens February 20.
Shirt and medal provided to all participants (in person and virtual); proceeds support the UF Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience
February 20 - March 10: $35
March 11- 31: $40
April 1- April 17: $45
April 19, Day of Race Registration (in-person at packet pick-up only 6:30-7:30 AM): $45
Virtual: $45
Preferred shirt size only available to those registered by March 22.
March 23 - April 19 Registrations will receive a large shirt size.
If virtual option is chosen your shirt and medal will be mailed out after April 19. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Race Information
Race Start
Sunday, April 19, 2026
8:00 AM
River to Sea Preserve - 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32137
Post race refreshments.
Race Course
The course will include 3 loops on the Matanzas Hammock Loop and South Hammock Loop entirely on trails and is around a 5K length (approximately 3.2). There will be a sign at the start of the loop but not at mile distances.
Parking
Free parking is available at the River to Sea Preserve near race start, River to Sea Preserve Parking lot near beach, or DEP Marineland Field Station. Carpooling encouraged as spots are limited. Public parking area available also at the Whitney Laboratory (Approximately 1/2 mile away from the race start).
Packet Pick Up
Race Day Packet Pick Up: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30 - 7:30 AM – River to Sea Preserve 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Awards
Top Overall Male & Female, Top 3 in each age group: 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and above.
Kids Fun Run
Free kids fun run will be after the 5K.
Contact Us
Questions - Wh-whitneylab@ufl.edu
Join us as a Sponsor!
Whitney Lab 5K Sponsorship - https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/media/wwwwhitneyufledu/images/files/5K-Sponsor-Levels-1.pdf
Contact Karen Romas at 904-201-8401 or email Wh-whitneylab@ufl.edu
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