Turtle Trot

Annual Fundraiser for The Crest

Welcome to Turtle Trot 2023

July 1: In-person race
July 2-16: Race-on-your-own option

Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 4th annual Turtle Trot! This scenic 5k race features historic farmland, forests, and wetlands and the best part, it supports a good cause with all proceeds benefiting The Crest’s programs and furthering our mission.

Registration for Race On Your Own coming soon!

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: In-person race – Register for Kick-off Race
July 2 – 16, 8am-8pm: Race-on-your-own option (registration opening soon!)

Turtle Fest at the CREST

The in-person Turtle Fest at the CREST will be held on July 23 to celebrate our winners, enjoy food, beverages, and entertainment, and showcase the stars of the show: the Willow-Witt turtles! This is a family-friendly event.

Learn more

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! This will be timed with support from Southern Oregon Runners. Runners will be released in waves of 25.

First wave front of the pack (8:00 am) 20 runners
Second wave front of the pack (8:15 am) 20 runners
First wave middle of the pack (8:45 am) 20 runners
Second wave middle of the pack (9:00 am) 20 runners
Slow and steady (9:00 am) 20 runners/sloggers

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: Hybrid Race

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

Registration opening soon!

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

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

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.

Turtle Trot 5k trail race satellite 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

Family/Children Blue Grass Band
1:00 – 3:30 pm

Blue Grass Music

Bring your own picnic. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. We will be raffling off some fun prizes as well. 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.

Learn more

Donations are greatly appreciated