Tampa Electric's Run for the Manatees

Are you a fan-atee? 
That’s what we call people who love manatees as much as we do!
You can help us keep those manatees well-fed and happy! 

Tampa Electric's 2026 Run for the Manatees 5K will be EXTRA SPECIAL – because we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Manatee Viewing Center!  

The route will pass by the Manatee Viewing Center, the cornerstone of Tampa Electric's Florida Conservation & Technology Center (FCTC), and wind through the gorgeous trails on the FCTC campus. Best of all, the unique run will raise awareness and support for Tampa Electric’s manatee conservation efforts by supporting the manatee research program within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Sat., December 12, 2026
Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC) 
321 Noonan Branch Rd
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
The FCTC campus is just south of the Manatee Viewing Center, right off of Dickman Rd.
Due to limited parking, please consider carpooling!

Race Day Timeline:
6:30 am Race Day Bib Pick-Up Opens 
(Race day registration is NOT available)
7:40 am Pre-Race Announcements
8:00 am 5K Starts
9:00 am Awards


Each person participating in the event, whether running or walking, must be wearing a 
2026 race bib that was distributed at pre-race pick up or race morning check in!

Virtual registrants will NOT be joining the in-person event on race day!
Event shirt & finisher medal for Virtual participants will be mailed via USPS to the address submitted during registration, the week following the race!

Bibs, shirts, & finisher medals for in-person participants not picked up on race morning will not be mailed!

Due to the nature of our facility, pets of any kind are NOT permitted on-site!

Awards presented to 1st place male & female finishers in the following age groups: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Please check the Frequently Asked Questions link located in the menu above for more info!

After the race, feel free to explore the FCTC campus! It’s a showcase for three champions of the environment: Tampa Electric, the Florida Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Learn more at www.tampaelectric.com/fctc

Proceeds from race registrations will be donated to The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commision.