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Turtle Trot 5k Trail Race

Annual Fundraiser for The Crest

Check back in Spring 2024 for updated information and to Register for the 5th Annual Turtle Trot 5k trail race!


Turtle Trot 2023


July 1: In-person race
July 2-16: Race-on-your-own option
July 23: Turtle Fest at the CREST

A big thank you to all who joined us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 4th annual Turtle Trot! This annual 5k trail race features scenic views of historic ranch land, forests, and wetlands (including the pond that is home to the race’s namesake, western pond turtles). All proceeds benefit The Crest’s outdoor education programs and furthering our mission.

Turtle Trot turtle with running shoes

Registration Fee

Registration is $25.00 per entry (includes t-shirt), with unlimited entries per person.

This event is a hybrid style race, with two options to participate:

  • July 1, 8am race start time: Kick-off race event with other runners; we will be timing racers
  • July 2 – 16, 8am-8pm: Race on your own; track your own time

Turtle Fest at the CREST

The Turtle Fest at the CREST will be held on July 23rd from 10am–3:30pm to celebrate our winners, enjoy food, beverages, drawing for prizes, musical entertainment, and showcase the stars of the show: the Willow-Witt turtles! This is a family-friendly event.

Goat kids browse beside the Turtle Trot trail

Goats browse beside the trail

Preparing the trail for Turtle Trot 2022

Pre-race trail prep

A young Western Pond Turtle at Willow-Witt Ranch

Western Pond Turtle hatchling

Turtle Trot 2021 5k trail race workers clearing the trail

Volunteers clear the 5k trail

How To Race

July 1: Kick-off Race

An in-person race, where you can experience the rush of adrenaline and thrill of competition as you run alongside your fellow participants! We will be timing runners for this kick-off race.

Snacks and refreshments will be served at the start/finish. A water station will be available around the 1.5 mile mark.

July 2–16: Race on Your Own

The race-on-your-own option allows you to complete the race at your own pace and convenience. You can run the track as often as you like during this period!

  • Register before you run
  • Race any time between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
  • Sign in at the start/finish log book (located at a table near start/finish). 
  • Track your time using Strava (make sure to download the app ahead of time) 
  • Send us your time with the Strava link included (if there is no link, you may not be eligible for prizes). Your registration confirmation email will include a link to record your race results on our website. Enter the date, your time. Individuals whose times cannot be confirmed with Strava will not be eligible for prizes.
  • Come to our Kick-off event July 1st

Prizes

Prize Categories

  • Fastest male 16-35
  • Fastest male 36- 201 
  • Fastest female 16-35
  • Fastest female 36- 201
  • Slowest male (That’s right, even the slowest runner is a winner in this race!)
  • Slowest female
  • Most Times Trotted (the Turtle Trot Award)

Prizes

  • Naming rights for a numbered turtle in The Crest/SOU study population
  • Free food and drink at the Turtle Fest at the CREST on July 23rd
  • Free entry in next year’s Turtle Trot

The Most Times Trotted Winner will also be awarded the honor of having their name added to the Turtle Trot Award that resides at the ranch and winner names will be added each year. Be the first! Run often!

Winners of each category to be announced at the Turtle Fest at the CREST on July 23rd.

raffle tickets

Drawing for Cool Prizes!

Make sure to bring some cash to buy tickets for  our prize drawing. We will have some real fun prizes and baskets to win!

Turtle Trot 5k trail race route map

Turtle Trot 5k trail race satellite map

Turtle Trot 5k trail race map

Turtle Trot 5k trail race topographic map

Turtle Fest at the CREST

  • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

    Family Run

  • 12:00 – 1:00 pm

    Band: Blueberry Blossoms

  • 1:00 – 3:30 pm

    Band: The Rosa Lees

Turtle Trot turtle with running shoes

Bring your own picnic. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Make sure to bring some cash to buy tickets for our prize drawing. We will have some real fun prizes and baskets to win  Please leave dogs at home; no outside dogs are permitted at the ranch.

Support the Cause

The Crest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes Conservation, Restoration, Education, Stewardship, and Trust. Throughout the year, The Crest provides education programs and has restoration projects; this wouldn’t be able to happen without your generous support.

Our Sponsors

A big thank you to our sponsors!
This event couldn’t happen without our sponsors.

Check back in Spring 2024 to Register for the 5th Annual Turtle Trot 5k trail race!

Get involved...

The Crest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

The Crest nonprofit organization relies on donations to support youth programs and give community groups the chance to experience the wonders of nature to learn about and feel a connection to the natural world. Please consider contributing to this natural legacy by making a tax-deductible donation.