Save the Manatee 5K
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Save the Manatee 5K
The Save the Manatee 5K is an annual athletic event held at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. The 23rd edition of this run and walk takes place on November 15, which marks the official start of the manatee season in Florida. The in-person race utilizes a flat course along the Spring-to-Spring Trail adjacent to the park, with the start and finish lines located within the state park grounds.
Participants can choose from the following event options:
- 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles) in-person at Blue Spring State Park.
- Virtual 5K for domestic and international participants to complete from any location.
The in-person race is open to runners and walkers of all ages and is a family- and dog-friendly event. Registration fees for the physical race include the park admission fee and parking inside Blue Spring State Park. All participants receive a custom finisher medal, a manatee-themed cotton and polyester blend t-shirt, and a race bib. Children aged 12 and under participating in the in-person event may receive a free stuffed manatee.
The physical race is professionally timed using a disposable chip attached to the back of the athlete's bib. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, with additional medal tags provided for the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Proceeds from the event are directed to the Save the Manatee Club to support conservation efforts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
