News

By Alex Russell, Director of Education and Online Communications, & Cora Berchem, Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate

We are excited to have the Save the Manatee 5K Run/Walk take place in Florida moving forward! After 21 successful years in Harrison Township, Michigan, local high school teachers and SMC 5K organizers Lesley Argiri and her husband, Brian McDonald, are passing the baton to Save the Manatee Club. The 22nd annual race will take place at beautiful Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, kicking off the 2025-26 manatee season on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 a.m. This fun, family-friendly race starts and ends at Blue Spring, with your park entrance fee included in the registration. Race participants will also have the opportunity to explore vendor booths and may even see manatees from the boardwalk.

Can’t make it to Florida for the in-person race? We are continuing the virtual option that allows participants from around the world to complete an activity of their choice in their own time. In the past, participants have walked, hiked, biked, swum, ice-skated, or paddled the 5K. Some have even participated by horseback riding or completing an underwater scuba diving cleanup!

There are many ways to join in on the fun also, without having to complete an entire 5K: you can walk smaller distances over time to add up to a 5K or wear your shirt and medal around your neighborhood and tell at least five other people about manatees. You don’t need flippers to join the Manatee 5K—whether you roll, stroll, float, game, or create, there’s a way to take part. From virtual walks and fitness games to crafts and personal reflections, every movement (and every heart) counts. The possibilities are endless; whatever way you decide to participate, you’ll be making a difference for manatees and their aquatic habitat.

Sign up today for as little as $35 for the in-person race! Each race packet comes with a bib, commemorative shirt, and finisher medal. Register at savethemanatee5k.com.