Whitney Lab 5K

Sunday, April 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m.

River to Sea Preserve Trails, St. Augustine, FL, Town of Marineland

Lace up your shoes for marine science and join us for this year’s Whitney Lab 5K! Run, walk, or jog with us at the beautiful River to Sea Preserve trails (or anywhere with our virtual option) to celebrate marine science. This year's featured animal - the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)!

All 5K proceeds will go to the Whitney Laboratory gift fund, a fund that powers the lab's programming including community lectures, public education, facilities improvements, public events, and critical student experiences at the lab. It is essential to operating all the programs at the lab!

5K Registration
Race limited to only 200 in person participants!

Registration opens February 1.

Shirt and medal provided to all participants (in person and virtual); proceeds support the UF Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience

February 1 - 28: $35

March 1- 31: $40

April 1- April 17: $45

April 19, Day of Race Registration (in-person at packet pick-up only 6:30-7:30 AM): $45

Virtual: $45

Preferred shirt size only available to those registered by March 18. 

March 19 - April 19 Registrations will receive a large shirt size.

If virtual option is chosen your shirt and medal will be mailed out after April 19. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Race Information
Race Start
Sunday, April 19, 2026

8:00 AM

River to Sea Preserve - 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32137

Post race refreshments.

Race Course
The course will include 3 loops on the Matanzas Hammock Loop entirely on trails and is close to a 5K length. There will be a sign at the start of the loop but not at mile distances.

Course Map - Updated Course Map Coming Soon!

Parking
Free parking is available at the River to Sea Preserve near race start, River to Sea Preserve Parking lot near beach, or DEP Marineland Field Station. Carpooling encouraged as spots are limited. Public parking area available also at the Whitney Laboratory (Approximately 1/2 mile away from the race start).

Packet Pick Up
Race Day Packet Pick Up: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30 - 7:30 AM – River to Sea Preserve 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Awards
Top Overall Male & Female, Top 3 in each age group: 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and above.

Kids Fun Run
Free kids fun run will be after the 5K.

Contact Us
Questions - wlmb@whitney.ufl.edu

Join us as a Sponsor!
Whitney Lab 5K Sponsorship - https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/media/wwwwhitneyufledu/images/files/5K-Sponsor-Levels-1.pdf

Contact Karen Romas at 904-201-8401 or email wlmb@whitney.ufl.edu.