
From the Organizer
The 5K and 10K utilize different starts and courses! Everything pre-and post-race is in the vicinity of the Nature Center at Lake Osprey: parking, packet pick up, starts, finish and post race.
Due to the nature of the course, dogs and strollers are prohibited on the courses during the event.
While the Scrub Jay 5K is a more road-runner-friendly course, there is still the beauty and nature of Oscar Scherer Park. A lot of 5K is on hard packed or prepared surfaces; but, there are still some bumps and tree roots . The last portion is on the Green Trail with nature’s roots and ruts and a section of about 400 meters in "sugar sand." Check out the detailed description and map of the Scrub Jay 5K
The Scrub Jay Scramble 10K is a challenging, technical trail course on the trails, sugar-sand included, with some ups and downs using recently created pedestrian underpasses and overpasses. Designed by trail runners for trail runners using the parks' features to challenge even experienced trail runners. Check out the detailed description and map of the Scrub Jay Scramble 10K.
Your registration includes custom finisher's medal for all finishers and a post-race featuring hot dogs (veggie dogs on request), fruit and other snacks. Participants will receive a custom race shirt as long as supplies last.
*NOTE: Race shirt sizes will be in the online inventory the shirts and size selection available only while supplies last. We do this to ensure that participants who register early will be sure to get the shirt size they select during registration. Any race shirts not picked up by the close of packet pick up race morning will be forfeited and available to swap sizes or for those who may not have had shirt inventory available at the time they registered.
5K and Scramble 10K are gun start with a chip-timed finish. (no timing mats at the races' starts) with results available on site and texted or emailed to you if you opt in during your registration.
5K and 10K Overall and Category Awards: Overall, Masters (40+), Grandmasters (50+), Senior Grandmasters (60+), Veteran Grandmasters (70+) and Youth Overall (14 & under)
Registration discounts: Young runners receive special registration pricing compliments of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park (applied automatically during checkout.) Members of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park can email for a discount coupon code. Members in good standing of local running and triathlon clubs with membership on RunSignUp will have their club membership discount applied automatically during registration.
Events
Weather
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
73°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
23%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Venice, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
18 ft
Nearest Airport
SRQ
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport · 15 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Scrub Jay Races, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Under the Moon 5K
8 miles away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Venice, FL (27)
8 miles away
Ninja 5K, 10K, &13.1M at Venice, FL (31)
8 miles away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Venice, FL (36)
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Scrub Jay Races
Jan 23, 2027