Part of the MTC/New Balance Racing Series!

MTC Code:MTC2023

Thank you for supporting sea turtles!

Mote Marine Laboratory’s 37th Annual Run for the Turtles will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, 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. Sea turtles keep going no matter what is happening in the world, and so will our efforts to understand and protect them! 

Race Pricing (Prices are the same for the 1 Mile & 5K):

Adults (14 & Up):

  • $35 Early Bird Pricing through February 1, 2023
  • $40 Regular Pricing February 2 – April 1, 2023

Kids (13 & Under):

  • $25 Early Bird Pricing through February 1, 2023
  • $30 Regular Pricing February 2 – April 1, 2023

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 Pick Up:

  • Thursday, March 30th – Fit2Run at UTC from 3pm – 7pm 
  • Friday, March 31st  – Fit2Run at Sarasota Main Street 12pm-6pm

*Packets will also be available to be picked up on race morning*

Race T-Shirts for the 1-Mile & 5K (in person): Due to nationwide supply shortages of t-shirts, we have pre-ordered the 2023 race t-shirts to ensure timely delivery by race day. We suggest completing your online registration as early as possible for the best chance of securing the t-shirt size you prefer. There is a set inventory of each size. If your size is no longer available, please select the next best size. Thank you for understanding! 

Interested in becoming a sponsor for the 37th Annual Run for the Turtles? Contact Andria Piekarz, Director of Development, at apiekarz@mote.org  or 941-388-4441 Ext. 352