3rd Annual
Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, March 21, 2026
7:30am 5K Start
Okeeheelee Park - West Palm Beach
Micanopy Pavilion
Do you know the official state tortoise of the Sunshine State? If you said Gopher Tortoise, then you should shell-a-brate by participating in this 5K! Although Gopher Tortoises are not known for their speed, they play an integral role in the ecosystem. As a keystone species they create burrows that support the lives of over 360 different types of animals. The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host their 3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K and cordially invite you to join in the fun. We look forward to you joining us Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Okeeheelee Park by running or walking as fast as you can....or at least as fast as a tortoise!
The 5K will run/walk through beautiful Okeeheelee Park, starting and finishing at Micanopy Pavilion, and new for this year, passing by Okeeheelee Nature Center. The 5K is a chipped timed event and will provide awards to the top 3 overall (male and female) and top 3 in each age group plus an award for the largest group/team registered together. Each participant will receive a personalized bib with RFID timing chip, event shirt, beautiful finisher medal, plus all the fabulous post-race activities.
This is a family event and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. The race is sponsored by the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center with all proceeds going to support Okeeheelee Nature Center.
FEE SCHEDULE: SIGN UP EARLY AND SAVE
March 22 - March 23, 2025 - $25.00 Adult; $15.00 Youth
March 24, 2025 - December 31, 2025 - $35.00 Adult; $25.00 Youth
January 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026 - $37.50 Adult; $27.50 Youth
March 1, 2025 - March 20, 2026 - $39.50 Adult; $29.50 - Youth
March 21, 2026 - $50.00
* Youth ages 14 and under
** Groups of 4 or more participants will receive a 10% discount. MUST create or join a team during registration to receive discount.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, March 20, 2026
4:00pm - 6:30pm
Pre-Race Packet Pickup
Buffalo Wild Wings
2837 S. State Rd 7
Wellington, FL 33414
*you may pickup for friends and family as well. You will need a digital copy of their I.D. as confirmation of their approval.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K
Okeeheelee Park
Micanopy Pavilion
7715 Forest Hill Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33413
*Micanopy Pavilion is on the west side of the park. Arrive early for closer parking.
6:30am - Park gates open
Registration and Packet Pickup Open
6:30am - Music and entertainment begin
6:45am - Meet SPARKY & OAKLY - our race ambassadors - Parks & Recreation Department mascot
7:10am - 5K Fitness Warmup
7:25am - Announcements and National Anthem
7:30am - Start of the Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K
8:00am - Healthy snacks after you complete your 5K
8:25am - Dancing and Partying with DJ Petey
8:45am - Awards Ceremony
9:00am - Shell-A-Bration (Nature Center)
After the race, Join us at Okeeheelee Nature Center for our Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-bration!
9:00am - 1:00pm
- FREE to participate (No reservations/registration required)
- Educational talks and tortoise habitat hike to view burrows
- Gopher Tortoise themed crafts, resources, and activities
- Meet-and-greets with our ambassador Gopher Tortoise, “Sparky”
Activities will promote awareness of environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The race is sponsored by the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center with all proceeds going to support Okeeheelee Nature Center.
- Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides support to Okeeheelee Nature Center, its staff, volunteers and animal ambassadors. It accomplishes this by raising funds to enhance exhibits, trails, facilities and educational programs to provide an enriching experience for Nature Center visitors.
- Okeeheelee Nature Center features 2.5 miles of hiking trails winding through 90 acres of flatwood forest and wetlands. It promotes an appreciation of our natural world and fosters a deeper understanding of Palm Beach County's ecosystems through hands-on-exhibits, animal encounters, educational programs and a nature themed gift shop.
