3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K is Saturday, March 21 in Okeeheelee Park

The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is proud to host its 3nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.

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 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 they 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 chipped 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 RFID timing chip, event shirt, finisher medal, plus all the post-race activities.

Participants are encouraged to bring their families and friends.

The Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club will be on-site at the 5K race to share with the community its mission and the opportunities available within the organization. Stop by the table for tickets to our DRAWING FOR PRIZES! You do not have to be present to win, drawing will take place just before the awards.
The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center, South Florida Herpetological Society, Florida Trail Association and Palm Beach County Wood Turners will also be on-site at the race.
Following the award ceremony, race participants, friends and guests are invited to go to Okeeheelee Nature Center for additional activities and educational opportunities at their 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.

Another very 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 Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center is a nonprofit 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.

For more 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/

GOPHER TORTOISE 5K SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, March 21, 2026
3nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K
Okeeheelee Park
Micanopy Pavilion
7715 Forest Hill Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33413

Note: Micanopy Pavilion is on the west side of the park. Arrive early for closer parking.

6:30 a.m.: Park gates open
Registration and Packet Pickup Open

6:30 a.m.: Music and entertainment begin

6:45 a.m.: Meet the Race Ambassadors: Sparky, Okeeheelee Nature Center’s Gopher Tortoise ambassador, and Oakly, the PBC Parks and Recreation Department mascot

7:10 a.m.: 5K Fitness Warmup

7:25 a.m.: Announcements and National Anthem

7:30 a.m.: Start of the Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K

8:00 a.m.: Healthy snacks after you complete your 5K

8:25 a.m.: Dancing and Partying with DJ Petey

8:45 a.m.: Awards Ceremony

9:00 a.m.: Shell-A-Bration (Nature Center)

GOPHER TORTOISE DAY SHELL-A-BRATION

After the race, the Okeeheelee Nature Center will hold its Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-bration,

Activities will promote awareness of environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

Here are the details:

--Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

--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 “Sparky” -- our ambassador gopher tortoise

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE BUSINESSES

To learn more about event sponsorships, call the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 561-233-1400 and leave a message for Teresa Zabik, 5K Co-Chair and ONC volunteer.

Several area businesses are sponsors of the event, which supports the environmental efforts of Okeeheelee Nature Center. The early list of sponsors/in-kind donors include: Wellington Whole Foods, BnA Wellness, Ideal Nutrition, Celsius Energy Drinks, Body20, Trader Joe’s, College Admissions Counseling Group, PDQ, Bolay and the Florida Panthers.

ABOUT THE PALM BEACH COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities.

Residents and visitors can learn more at www.pbcparks.com and follow @PBCParks and #pbcparks on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WordPress.