News

By Alex Russell, Director of Education and Online Communications

That’s a wrap on the 22nd Annual Save the Manatee 5K! On the morning of November 15, 2025, nearly 400 runners, walkers, and nature lovers filled the course at Blue Spring State Park. It was a beautiful day for running with everyone showing up in high spirits, and the chilly air brought some manatees into the spring to greet participants not far from the finish line. Their energetic spirit was matched by participants from across the country and abroad; over 900 virtual registrants participated by the end of the year, completing their miles in creative and meaningful ways. Together, 1,400 participants helped make the 2025 race an event to remember.

I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Save the Manatee Club (SMC) Mana-team, park staff, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors who helped us make our first Florida-based 5K preparations go as well as they did. There were so many who turned up bright and early with us to help make this race a successful event. I’d also like to extend a thank you to the original race directors, Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald, who offered their 21 years of experience to guide us through the preparations and attended the race in person to assist us with day-of coordination. We’re honored to carry on the race’s legacy and continue to host this wonderful event for years to come.

After the joys of last year’s race, we are so excited to announce that registration is open for the 23rd Annual Save the Manatee 5K! Once again, the in-person race will take place at the vital manatee refuge Blue Spring State Park on the first day of manatee season. You can join the movement either in person on November 15, 2026, or virtually from anywhere in the world doing an activity of your choice. Sign up today at savethemanatee5k.org.