Save the Manatee® 5K

Inspired by a love for manatees and a newfound passion for running, high school biology teacher Lesley Argiri started the Save the Manatee 5K in Michigan in 2003. Supported by her husband, Brian McDonald, and dedicated student volunteers from L’Anse Creuse High School, the first race brought 150 participants to Lake St. Clair Metropark to run and raise awareness and funds for manatees. Through their dedication and hard work, the race grew year after year into a cherished local tradition, eventually drawing in over 1000 participants all united for the cause. In 2015, a virtual component was added, allowing people from around the world to participate virtually by completing an activity of their choice at a location of their choosing, any time of the year. After 21 years of tireless work, Lesley and Brian retired from leading the race and passed the torch to the organization their efforts supported.

2025 marked the first year the in-person Save the Manatee 5K was held in Florida. While the transition marked a new chapter for the event, the mission remains the same: to raise awareness and funds to safeguard imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat. For the inaugural race in Florida, the race will be held at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, a vital winter refuge for manatees. The race was also held on November 15, which is the first day of Manatee Season and in the middle of Manatee Awareness Month. Hosting the race at this iconic location on such a meaningful day provides an opportunity for participants to connect with the cause in a deeper way, experiencing firsthand the habitat they are helping to protect. Thanks to over 370 runners and walkers, over 1000 additional virtual participants, and a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and sponsors, we raised over $25,000 for manatees in the first year of the Florida race. We are so grateful for the care and support and look forward to continuing the race for years to come.