3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

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.