{"id":5303,"date":"2024-04-06T11:32:11","date_gmt":"2024-04-06T15:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?p=5303"},"modified":"2024-04-08T11:35:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T15:35:23","slug":"motes-38th-annual-run-for-the-turtles-a-huge-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/news\/motes-38th-annual-run-for-the-turtles-a-huge-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Mote’s 38th Annual Run for the Turtles a huge success"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, Mote Marine Laboratory\u2019s 38th\u00a0Annual Run for the Turtles hosted nearly 1,000 runners, both on Siesta Key Beach for the 1-mile fun run and Manasota Track Club-sanctioned 5k, and across the globe with the virtual run. All three run types brought a variety of participants.<\/p>\n

The 38th\u00a0Annual Run for the Turtles was one of the most successful in the history of the event. While the final amount is still being tallied, approximately $45,000 was raised for Mote\u2019s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program (STCRP)! This annual event provides major support for STCRP, which conducts daily surveys of 35-mile of beach during turtle nesting season, as well as tags and satellite-tracks turtles.<\/p>\n

\u201cRun for the Turtles is the longest-standing fundraiser for Mote; we have been monitoring and protecting endangered sea turtles along local beaches for 42 years, and the Run raises thousands of dollars each year for this important service,\u201d said Dr. Jake Lasala, Mote\u2019s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program Manager.<\/p>\n

In 2023, STCRP had 4,483 nests\u00a0in the 35-mile stretch of beach that the program monitors. Learn more about the program at\u00a0mote.org\/research\/program\/sea-turtle-conservation-research<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Conservation and research are at the core of Mote\u2019s mission. As an independent, nonprofit research institution, we can not continue to do the vital work we do without the support of each and every one of you. Thank you for your support,”\u00a0said Lasala.<\/p>\n

Sea turtle nesting season kicks off in southwest Florida May 1 and runs through October 31. On nesting beaches, light from waterfront properties can disorient nesting female turtles and their young, which emerge at night and use dim natural light to find the sea. Also, beach furniture, trash and other obstacles can impede sea turtles and their young.<\/p>\n

Thanks to this years partners and sponsors<\/strong><\/u>: Salt Life; Whiting – Turner\/Willis A Smith Construction; Boat Guys;\u00a0Shutts & Bowen LLP;\u00a0Koala Tee;\u00a0Manasota Track Club;\u00a0Morton’s Gourmet Market;\u00a0Peak Performance Catering – Zildjian Catering;\u00a0and Run with Purpose Nutrition.<\/p>\n

Results<\/strong><\/u>
\n1 mile fun run:
\nTop Overall Male \u2013 Peter PJ Cullin
\nTop Overall Female \u2013 Riley Babcock<\/p>\n

Manasota Track Club sanctioned 5k:<\/p>\n