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After 21 years, Save the Manatee 5K will be hosting their last race in Harrison Township, Michigan, which is now open for in-person and virtual racers of all ages in support of Save the Manatee Club’s life-saving work.

Suggested Social Media Post: Sign up now to join the in-person or virtual 21st annual Save The Manatee 5K! Save the manatees in person on Saturday, Sept. 28th, for the last time in Harrison Township, MI. Or join us virtually anywhere, anytime! @savethemanateeclub #run4manatees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—July 23, 2024
Contact:
Stephanie Cohen, media@savethemanatee.org, 407-539-0990
Lesley Argiri, largiri1@hotmail.com 

On Saturday, September 28, the 21st Annual Save the Manatee 5K will bring together people from across the globe and every U.S. state, both virtually and in-person, to support the conservation of manatees for the last time in Michigan. Soon, manatees will be on the move as the race relocates to Florida in the future. Former local biology teacher Lesley Argiri and her husband Brian have organized this annual event since 2003. As we reflect on the past 21 years, “Lesley and Brian’s passion for protecting manatees while educating the next generation of supporters inspires us all. We will be forever grateful!” says Patrick M. Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club.

“There are no manatees in Michigan, yet there are a lot of manatee lovers in Michigan,” says Lesley, highlighting the passion and dedication of the local community. The event welcomes participants of all kinds, including four-legged friends, as dog participants are encouraged to join. The ultimate goal is to raise funds for the betterment of manatees’ lives.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the global enthusiasm for the Save the Manatee 5K remains unwavering. Virtual runners from countries such as Japan, the Netherlands, and Brazil are joining the cause. With past participation reaching nearly 2,000, Lesley hopes to make this final year the biggest one yet.

Diane Dunn, a dedicated Michigan runner, has been a regular participant in the event. “I love the racecourse; the event is always well organized, and the medals are very attractive,” says Diane. “I also like that the race has five-year age groups, so even older runners like me can compete in their age groups.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Save the Manatee® Club, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Florida, the natural habitat of these gentle giants. Since its inception in 2003, the race has raised over $409,000 for the organization, which strives to protect imperiled manatees and their aquatic environment for future generations. Lesley is really hoping they can surpass $500,000 this year.

The in-person race will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township, Michigan. The Mini Mile will kick off at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K run and 2-mile walk at 9:30 a.m. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, bib, and a unique finisher medal. Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers. This family- and dog-friendly event offers ample on-site parking.

For those unable to attend in person, virtual participants from around the world can complete the event anytime, anywhere, doing an activity of their choice. In previous years, participants have shared on social media how they ice skated, kayaked, rode a horse, and even completed yoga flows to reach their 5K for manatees.

Registration is now open at savethemanatee5k.com for both the in-person and virtual events. Virtual runners in Central Florida are invited to attend a special meetup on Saturday, October 12th, at 7:30 a.m. to complete their virtual race with other local fellow manatee supporters. For details on this special meet-up, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/92045/florida-save-the-mantee-5k.

While one chapter may be closing, Lesley says they will “still continue to support manatees anyway they can,” including bringing the race to Florida. Be sure to join the global movement to protect manatees and their habitat by participating in the 21st Annual Save the Manatee 5K in its last year in Michigan, and stay tuned as manatees race towards Florida. Together, we can make a difference!

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Save the Manatee Club, established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, along with the late former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, is dedicated to safeguarding manatees and preserving their aquatic habitat. For more information about manatees and the Club’s efforts, visit savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).