The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center will host the second annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K on Saturday, March 22 at Okeeheelee Park.
The 5K will run/walk through beautiful Okeeheelee Park, starting and finishing at the Micanopy Pavilion, and new for this year, passing by the Okeeheelee Nature Center.
The event celebrates the gopher tortoise. Although gopher tortoises are not known for their speed, they play an integral role in the ecosystem.
As a keystone species, gopher tortoises create burrows that support the lives of more than 360 different types of animals, including the burrowing owl, opossum and pine snake.
The 5K is a chip-timed event and will provide awards to the top three overall (male and female) and top three in each age group, plus an award for the largest group/team registered together.
Each participant will receive a personalized bib with an RFID timing chip, event shirt, finisher medal, plus all the post-race activities.
Participants are encouraged to bring their families and friends. Following the award ceremony, race participants, friends and guests are invited to go to the Okeeheelee Nature Center for additional activities and educational opportunities at the Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-Bration until 1 p.m. The Shell-a-Bration will be open to the general public at 10 a.m.
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center, the South Florida Herpetological Society, the Florida Trail Association, the Palm Beach County Wood Turners and the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club will be on-site to share with the community their missions and the opportunities available within each organization.
Another unique aspect of the event will be the amazing snakes and tortoises present for the community to interact with and learn about.
The race is sponsored by the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center with all proceeds going to support the Okeeheelee Nature Center.
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that provides support to the 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 visitors.
The Okeeheelee Nature Center features 2.5 miles of hiking trails winding through 90 acres of flatwood forest and wetlands. It promotes an appreciation of the 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.
For additional information about the race, call the Okeeheelee Nature Center at (561) 233-1407.
Additional information about the race and registration is available at https://victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5K.
