40TH Annual
40th Annual Run for the Turtles
40th Annual Run for the Turtles is a running race on April 3–4, 2027 in Siesta Key, FL, with an entry fee of $40.
- Date
- April 3–4, 2027 (268 days to go)
- Price
- $40
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 .
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
20%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Sarasota Bradenton Ap, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Siesta Key, FL
Nearest Airport
SRQ
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 40th Annual Run for the Turtles, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
268
Days to train
- Race
- 40th Annual Run for the Turtles
- Date
- April 3–4, 2027
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Siesta Key than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to Siesta KeyComing Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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40th Annual Run for the Turtles
Apr 3, 2027