STONE HARBOR TURTLE TROT 5K

The Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 5K & 2-Mile Fun Walk is a signature Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, the 26th annual event is named after the local Diamondback Terrapins that cross the town's roads to nest this time of year. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Diamondback Terrapin Program at The Wetlands Institute to support conservation efforts.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Awards: Prizes are awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers in the 5K, plus medals for the top three in six different age categories. The 2-Mile Fun Walk is untimed and non-competitive.
• -- T-Shirts: All registered participants receive an official Turtle Trot t-shirt while supplies last. Early registration is strongly recommended to guarantee a size.
• -- Check-in Location: Base of operations is the Lifeguard Shack parking lot on 95th Street and the beach. Participants should arrive early to handle bag stowage and bib pickup.
• -- Weather Policy: The event is rain or shine. In the case of dangerous weather, there are no refunds, as the funds benefit the Stone Harbor Chamber and local wildlife programs.
• -- Results: Official timing results will be posted on Race Roster immediately following the event and linked via the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Regional Context and Statistics:

• -- Location: Stone Harbor is a resort borough in Cape May County on Seven Mile Island. Known as a high-end vacation destination, it is famous for its beaches, boutiques, and bird sanctuaries.
• -- Population: The year-round population of Stone Harbor is approximately 832 to 936 residents, though this number swells significantly to tens of thousands during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
• -- Racial Demographics: The borough is primarily White (97.54%). Other racial groups include Asian (0.70%), Black or African American (0.12%), and those identifying with two or more races (1.06%). The Hispanic or Latino population accounts for approximately 0.70% of the total.
• -- Age & Economy: The median age in the borough is 66 years, significantly higher than the state average. The average individual income is approximately $132,079, reflecting the town’s status as a wealthy coastal community.
• -- Environment & Climate: Late May in Stone Harbor usually sees average highs of 18°C–20°C (65°F–68°F). The air is often mildly cool and humid (avg. 82%) with coastal breezes at roughly 16 mph. It is the peak season for Diamondback Terrapins to migrate across the island to find nesting grounds.

The 26th Annual Turtle Trot offers a fast, flat course for competitive runners and a family-friendly atmosphere for walkers, all while supporting the preservation of South Jersey’s unique coastal ecosystem.