Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, in Sarasota, is bringing its 34th annual Run for the Turtles from its original home on Siesta Beach to individuals, wherever they are, with its first-ever all-virtual run. People can participate in the virtual 5K run or the 1-mile fun run/walk anytime through September 10 from anywhere on Earth. 

This event is the major fundraiser for Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, which has monitored, studied and helped protect these threatened and endangered reptiles along 35 miles of Southwest Florida nesting beaches since 1982. 

During this year’s run, Mote is keeping in touch with runners electronically. Runners are asked to visit @MoteMarineLab on Instagram and its Facebook page (Facebook.com/MoteMarineLab) to share their run photos.  

Special contests for event participants include Shell-ebrity Snapshot, Best Team Theme and Turtle-Y Actionable Tips. The winner of the Shell-ebrity Snapshot contest will receive a Mote-themed Tervis tumbler; the team with the best theme will win a six-pack of Leatherback Lager from Darwin Brewing Company (for participants 21 and older) and Mote stickers; and the Turtle-Y Actionable Tips winner will receive a painting made by Mote’s own diamondback terrapin, Cecil. 

Cost: $35 for each adult and $25 for each child (age 13 and younger). Registration closes at 12 a.m. the morning of Sept. 10. For more information or to register, visit Mote.org/run.