Sea Turtle Race: Cold Stun Run
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Sea Turtle Race: Cold Stun Run
The Eighth Annual Sea Turtle Race is held at the Orange Reservoir in West Orange. The event is nicknamed the "Cold Stun Run" to highlight the busiest season when the organizer's hospital receives sea turtles that are cold stunned after failing to migrate before colder temperatures arrive.
The event program includes these distances:
- 5k Run
- 1.7 mile Family Fun Walk
Registration opens May 4. Pricing is tiered: through September 14 the fee is $30 per person or $25 per person for groups of four or more; September 15 through October 10 the fee is $35 per person or $30 per person for groups of four or more. USATF members may receive a discount; a member number is required.
Early packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Ronald Mount Building from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Race shirts are provided to participants who pre-register by September 14; limited shirts will be available after that date while supplies last.
Awards apply to the 5k only and include Top Male Overall, Top Female Overall, and the top three male and female finishers in standard age groups. The venue is Essex County Park at Orange Reservoir on Cherry Lane in West Orange. Parking is available on the west side of Cherry Lane across from Clipper Pavilion. Refreshments will be available after the event and participants can receive discounted admission to Turtle Back Zoo by presenting race identification. The event is a 2026 USATF sanctioned event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
