Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K Returns to Okeeheelee Park

The annual race and celebration to support the Okeeheelee Nature Center is set for March 21.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center will host the third Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K on Saturday, March 21, at Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County, Florida. The chipped and timed 5K run and walk will take participants through the park, starting and finishing at the Micanopy Pavilion. Participants will receive a personalized bib, event shirt, finisher medal, and swag bag. After the race, there will be a free Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-bration at the nature center with activities for all.

Why it matters

The Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K is an annual fundraiser that supports the animal ambassadors, exhibits, and educational programs at the Okeeheelee Nature Center. The event helps raise awareness and funding for the center's conservation efforts focused on the gopher tortoise, a threatened species native to the region.

The details

The 5K race begins at 7:30 a.m. and will be chipped and timed. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three in each age group. Participants can pick up race packets on Friday, March 20 or the morning of the event. In addition to the race, there will be music, entertainment, a meet-and-greet with mascots, and light snacks provided.

  • The Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Early race packet pickup will be on Friday, March 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.
  • The race begins at 7:30 a.m. on March 21.
  • The free Gopher Tortoise Day Shell-a-bration at the nature center runs from 9 a.m. to noon on March 21.

The players

Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center

The nonprofit organization that hosts the annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K to support the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Okeeheelee Nature Center

A nature center located within Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County, Florida that focuses on conservation efforts for the gopher tortoise and other local wildlife.

Oakly

The mascot for the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department who will make an appearance at the event.

Sparky

The gopher tortoise ambassador for the Okeeheelee Nature Center who will be part of the event.

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What’s next

Participants can register and find more information about the Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K at https://victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5K/.

The takeaway

The Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K is an annual community event that supports the important conservation work of the Okeeheelee Nature Center, raising funds and awareness for protecting the threatened gopher tortoise species in the region.