Registration now open for Mote’s Run for the Turtles
It’s time to put both feet forward for sea turtle conservation and register for Mote’s Run for the Turtles, a family-friendly run to raise awareness and funds for Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, which coordinates conservation of endangered nesting sea turtles along 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches.
The run will take place on the beautiful sand of Siesta Key Beach on April 1, 2017 – no April Fools here! The 1-Mile Fun Run or Walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and the
5K Manasota Track Club-Sanctioned Run begins at 8 a.m.
While male sea turtles mostly live out their lives in the ocean, females return to the beaches where they were born to lay the next generation of sea turtles. Thanks to the 35 years of conservation efforts by Mote’s sea turtle program, Mote-monitored beaches from Longboat to Venice experienced a record-breaking sea turtle nesting season last year with a total of 4,588 nests.
To help Mote prepare for the next turtle nesting season, all proceeds from the Run for the Turtles go directly to Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program to help endangered sea turtles.
“This a great, fun event where you can bring your family, get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of our local beaches while also raising money for a good cause,” said Kristen Mazzarella, senior biologist with Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. “Although we had a record-breaking year last year, sea turtles are still endangered and they need our help. They are a fundamental part in marine ecosystems and we need to do everything we can to protect them.”
Mote has joined forces with an organization called Positive Tracks that helps youth sweat for good through Positive Tracks' U23 Challenges Program. Positive Tracks will help youth fundraisers organize this effort with tools and consultation, plus doubles every dollar raised by team members up to $23. Best news is: Team Captains' dollars are doubled up to $230. That makes donations twice as impactful for Mote's Run for the Turtles. To sign up and for more information, contact Liz Gray at lgray@positivetracks.org.
- For more info on the Run, contact Sam Byrd, Race Director at: 941-388-4441 ext. 426 or sbyrd@mote.org. For information on event sponsorship please contact Kate Knepper at: 941-388-4441, ext. 393 or kknepper@mote.org.
- Not running in this year’s Run for the Turtles? Text-to-Give for the turtles! Text "Mote" to 243725 (BIDPAL) to contribute. Every donation helps!
Mote thanks its partners at New Balance and Fleet Feet Sports for hosting the packet pick-ups. Check in with them for the latest running gear and fitness news to prepare to hit the beach on April 1.