Have you ever seen a Gopher Tortoise gallop? Well, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5k Run/Walk. It will be held in Okeeheelee Park starting and finishing at the Micanopy Pavilion. The race/walk is a timed chipped event and will give awards to the top 3 overall finishers (male and female) and to the top 3 in each age group.
On race day the park gates will open at 6:15am and registration and race packet pickup will begin. At 6:30am music and entertainment will start for early arrivals. There will be an appearance by SPARKY – our race ambassador, and OAKLY – Parks and Recreation Department mascot. The Race/Walk will start promptly at 7:30am. Following the race, healthy snacks will be available and music/entertainment will be provided by DJ Petey. The Awards Ceremony will be held at 8:45am.
In addition to being a fundraiser, this is a great opportunity to promote FONC and the Nature Center. FONC will have a booth at the event. On Friday, March 21, race participants will have the opportunity to pick up their packet, race bib and T-shirt at the Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant in Wellington between 4:00pm and 6:30pm. On Saturday, March 22, registration and packet pickup will begin at 6:30am.
This is a family-friendly event and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. FONC members are encouraged to sign up. If you can’t run 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), you can walk at your own pace as long as it is faster than a Gopher Tortoise can gallop.
Here is a link to the website for Registration and more information.
www.Victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/
Interested in being a corporate sponsor for this awesome community event?
Please contact Teresa Zabik, 5K Co-chair and ONC Volunteer Phone: 561-233-1400
Email: FriendsofONC@gmail.com
Attn: Gopher Tortoise 5K Sponsorships
