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Turtle Trot

Annual Fundraiser for The Crest

Turtle Trot 2025


Turtle Trot turtle with running shoes

6th Annual Event

Sunday, June 15, 2025, 9am-12pm

Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 6th Annual Turtle Trot! The scenic 10k and  5k races feature technical trails around meadows and wetlands, through native conifer forests, and oak woodlands. The 5K and 10K courses start at 4500’ elevation and climb to almost 5000’ with views of Mount Shasta, Pilot Rock, Mt. Ashland, and beyond. The 10k will run the 5K course two-times, the second time in reverse. The nearly level 1-mile Fun Run will take you to the headwaters of Frog Creek and back.

Come run, walk or trot your way around the meadows of Willow-Witt Ranch, knowing your participation supports a great cause; all proceeds benefit The Crest’s programs and further our mission of cultivating connection between people and nature.

Please leave dogs at home. Willow-Witt Ranch is a working farm and uses Maremma livestock guardian dogs. No outside dogs or pets are permitted at this working ranch.

Willow-Witt Ranch Digital Map
Willow-Witt Ranch Digital Map Legend
A young Western Pond Turtle at Willow-Witt Ranch
A young Western Pond Turtle at Willow-Witt Ranch
Turtle Trot 2021 5k trail race workers clearing the trail
Volunteers clear the 5k trail
Turtle Trot Runners
Turtle Trot Runners
Crossing the Finish Line
Crossing the Finish Line
Turtle Trot Start/Finish Table
Turtle Trot Start / Finish Table
Family at 2024 Turtle Trot
Family at 2024 Turtle Trot
Generations of Runners 2024 Turtle Trot
Generations of Runners 2024 Turtle Trot
Family Fun at 2024 Turtle Trot
Family Fun at 2024 Turtle Trot

Schedule

  • 9:00 AM

    10k Run Start

  • 9:15 AM

    5k Run Start

  • 10:00 AM

    1-mile Fun Run Start

  • 10 AM – 12 PM

    Breakfast available at the campground

  • 10:45 AM

    Prize Ceremony to follow at Breakfast, with Turtle Talk and a visit to the  pond to study Western Pond Turtles (We supply binoculars !)

Pricing

  • $40:

    10k Run (includes Race Shirt & Breakfast)

  • $30:

    5k Run (includes Race Shirt & Breakfast)

  • $20:

    1-mile Fun Run (includes Breakfast)

  • $10:

    Additional Kid’s Breakfast Plate

Turtle Trot Trail

Turtle Trot 5k & 10k Trail Race Route Map

Turtle Trot 5k & 10k Trail Race Route Map

Turtle Trot 5k & 10k trail race route map

Turtle Trot 5k & 10k trail race route map

Turtle Trot 1 Mile Fun Run

Turtle Trot 1 Mile Fun Run

Prize Categories

  • Fastest male 16-35
  • Fastest male 36-201
  • Fastest female 16-35
  • Fastest female 36- 201
  • Slowest male (It is the Turtle Trot after all!)
  • Slowest female (It is the Turtle Trot after all!)
  • Most Times Trotted (the Turtle Trot Award)

Prizes

  • Slowest Racers in each category: Naming rights for a numbered turtle in The Crest/SOU population study at Willow-Witt Ranch Turtle pond
  • Fastest Racers in each category: Free Entry for up-to-four to The Crest Fest on June 22nd, 2025
  • Most Times Trotted: 2-night stay in a 4-person Wall Tent at Willow-Witt Ranch Campground
  • 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 June 22rd.

Turtle Trot Registration Form

Register and pay in advance below. Registration and payment will also available at the event.

Please leave dogs at home. No outside dogs are permitted at this working ranch.

"*" indicates required fields

Registrant Info

Name*

Turtle Trot Options

Price: $40.00
Price: $30.00
Price: $10.00
Price: $10.00

Turtle Trot Race Shirt(s)

Shirts will feature this year's 6th Annual Turtle Trot logo designed by local artist Jarrett Davidson.
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Liability Waiver

1. I acknowledge that the activity of outdoor trail running is a potentially hazardous activity, which can be a test of a person’s physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of runners, equipment, actions of other people including, but not limited to participants, volunteers, and spectators. These risks are not only inherent to runners, but are also present for passengers, spectators and volunteers. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating and/or volunteering in this event. I realize that liability may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities organizing or conducting this event and hereby release them of all possible liability. I certify I am at least 18 years old. I promise not to sue and agree to pay all court costs and all attorney fees that result from my action, civil or otherwise.

2. I certify that I am physically fit with no known physical or mental impairment and have prepared for participation in the event(s). I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form will be used by the event holder, sponsors and organizers of the event(s), in which I may participate and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said event(s). I certify that I am not under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or other drug that may impair my understanding or judgment and that I will not at any time during the event(s) participate under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or drug. I certify that I have fully adequate insurance to cover all medical claims, and any other equipment and any damage or liability I may ultimately be found responsible for, during all travel connected with the event(s). I further certify that I have all the insurance required by law or certificates required by my state of residence.

3. In consideration of my being permitted to participate in the event(s), I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows: (A) Waive, Release and Discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft or actions of any kind which may hereafter accrue to me during the event(s) or during my traveling to and from the event(s), THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: The Crest and Willow-Witt Ranch, owners, officers, sponsors, volunteers and (B) indemnify and Hold Harmless the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of any of my actions during the event(s). Accordingly, I do hereby release and discharge The Crest and Willow-Witt Ranch, officers, sponsors, and volunteers from all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind whatsoever for any death, damages and /or injuries which may result from my participation in the event(s). This shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.

4. I hereby consent to receive medical treatment, which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and or illnesses during the event(s). I agree to pay for any and all costs related to medical response, treatment and transport on my behalf.

Clear Signature

Payment

Our 2025 Sponsors

Willow-Witt Ranch

The 445-acre Willow-Witt Ranch, in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, is home to the highest elevation breeding population of Western Pond Turtles in southern Oregon, at 4850’ elevation. The ruggedly beautiful 5k and 10K course is run over a (and technical) trail designed for hikers and adventure runners in mind.  It takes you through and around wetlands and meadows filled with wildflowers, through conifer and oak woodlands,  and over a few seasonal creeks — all the obstacles a Western Pond Turtle must navigate living at this elevation. See the trail map below. This special population of turtles is the current focus of our curriculum, connecting the efforts of the turtles to survive with the climate change issues we also face — and the impacts on our own food and water — right in our own backyard.

Get involved...

Suzanne Willow talks to a group of students visiting The Crest

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. Our volunteer opportunities are a great chance to get outside, connect with others and learn more about your local ecosystem. Please consider contributing to this natural legacy by making a tax-deductible donation.