Whitney Lab 5K

Sun, Apr 19, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT

Location: Saint Augustine, FL; 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, 32080
Type: RUN

At a glance

Run scenic trails and support marine science, featuring a quirky nod to the hard clam. Spots are limited for this cause-driven 5K.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Who it's for

For a Cause
Family Friendly

Great for: families, cause-driven runners

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

Join the Whitney Lab 5K in Saint Augustine, Florida, for a unique trail run supporting marine science. This event welcomes runners, walkers, and joggers to explore the beautiful River to Sea Preserve trails. All proceeds directly benefit the Whitney Laboratory gift fund, powering essential programming like public education, community lectures, and student experiences. Discover this year's featured animal, the hard clam, while contributing to vital research and outreach.

What to expect

Enjoy a 5K run, walk, or jog on beautiful preserve trails.
Receive a commemorative shirt and medal.
Celebrate with post-race refreshments and a free Kids Fun Run.

Standout details

Supports marine science education and research
Limited to 200 in-person participants
Features the hard clam as this year's animal
Includes a free Kids Fun Run

Perks & features

Food & Drink

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

2 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

5K
Sun, Apr 19, 8:00 AM EDT · From $38.10
Opens Feb 20, 2026, 3:30 AM EST · Closes Mar 10, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
5K
Sun, Apr 19, 8:00 AM EDT · From $48.70
Opens Feb 20, 2026, 3:30 AM EST · Closes Apr 19, 2026, 3:45 AM EDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

warm-day exposure

Warm season

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

Flat
Family-oriented

From the organizer

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.

Course Map

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.

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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