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Turtle Trot

Annual Fundraiser for The Crest

Turtle Trot 5k, 10K, Fun Run and Brunch!


Turtle Trot turtle with running shoes

7th Annual Event

Saturday, June 6, 2026
First Race Starts at 9 AM

Join us at Willow-Witt Ranch for The Crest’s 7th Annual Turtle Trot—a true trail race with heart (and breakfast)! Choose the 5K or 10K on rolling singletrack through meadows, wetlands, oak woodlands, and native conifer forest, or bring the whole family for a joyful Fun Run for all ages. 

Starting at 4,500’ and climbing to nearly 5,000’, the courses feature elevation, varied terrain, and sweeping views of Mount Shasta, Pilot Rock, and Mt. Ashland. The 10K doubles the challenge with a second lap run in reverse, ensuring you experience the views from every angle.

After the finish, stay for what many say is the best part: a communal, made-from-scratch delicious post-race breakfast shared around long tables, followed by a hands-on Western Pond Turtle learning session. Run hard, eat well, linger and learn. All proceeds support The CREST in our mission to connect 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
Turtle Trot 2021 5k trail race workers clearing the trail
Generations of Runners 2024 Turtle Trot
Crossing the Finish Line
Turtle Trot Start/Finish Table
Family at 2024 Turtle Trot
Turtle Trot Beakfast Spread
Family Fun at 2024 Turtle Trot

Schedule

  • 9:00 AM

    10k Run Start

  • 9:15 AM

    5k Run Start

  • 10:00 AM

    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

  • Prices will increase after May 1, 2026:
  • $45:

    10k Run (includes Race Shirt & Breakfast)

  • $35:

    5k Run (includes Race Shirt & Breakfast)

  • $25:

    Kids Fun Run/Trot/Walk

  • $15:

    Additional Kid’s Breakfast Plate

  • $25:
    Additional Adult 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

Awards Categories (5K and 10K)

You Choose Your Division

Fastest Open Division (5–35)

Fastest Open Division (36+)

Fastest Women’s Division (5–35)

Fastest Women’s Division (36+)

The Turtle 🐢 – Last Finisher

Our 2026 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.