Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers hit the beach to help endangered and threatened sea turtles during Mote’s 27th Run for the Turtles on Saturday, April 6, on Siesta Public Beach.
The Run, which includes a 5K sanctioned by the Manasota Track club and a 1-mile fun-run/walk, has provided major support for Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program — an internationally recognized program that will soon begin its 32nd year coordinating sea turtle conservation along 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches. Mote scientists and volunteers in Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol monitor sea turtle nesting each day during nesting season, May through October.
The Run, a joint effort between Mote, the Manasota Track Club and Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, raises funds to help Mote scientists study and protect sea turtles, which are considered threatened or endangered under federal law.
At the event, participants and scores of friends and supporters brightened up Siesta Public Beach before sunrise, starting with a warm-up workout with Mote mascot Shelley the Sea Turtle followed by a one-mile fun run/walk and a 5K run sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club.
Runners younger than age 9 and older than 80 hit the beach, competing for overall fastest times for males and females in each race, and for the fastest times within each age group for the 5K.
To kick off the awards ceremony, Mote President and CEO Dr. Kumar Mahadevan addressed event guests.
“This run has been an amazing success over the years, and we couldn’t have done this without our exceptional team of staff, volunteers, sponsors and of course, our outstanding runners who turn out each year to support sea turtles,” said Mahadevan, who will become Mote’s President Emeritus in May after leading the Lab for 27 years — the same timespan the Run has taken place. “It’s been a pleasure to lead Mote and to be part of this Run, which supports our internationally renowned Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program.”
Mote thanks the sponsors who made this event possible, including: ABC 7, Bright House Networks, Mote Scientific Foundation, United Natural Foods, Inc., Zephyrhills and New Balance.
Race Results
- 5K winners:
- Overall female winner: Heather Butcher, age 40, time: 18:49
- Overall male winner: Kevin Smith, age 27, time: 16:17
- 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk winners (exact times not recorded):
- Male winner: Garrett Straschnov, age 13
- Female winner: Sienna Kent, age 11
Results from each age category are expected to be posted at the Manasota Track Club website, as well as the Accuchip timing site.
Tips for Sea Turtle Nesting Season
As we approach the first day of nesting season, May 1, please keep the following tips in mind to protect sea turtles:
Do:
If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
Place trash in its proper place
Do Not:
Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water
Use fireworks on the beach
Sea turtles are protected under federal law and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle, living or dead, is subject to penalty. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 388-4331. If you find a dead or injured sea turtle contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 988-0212.
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 research organization based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys. Donations to Mote are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Mote is dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans with an emphasis on world-class research relevant to conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. Research programs include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment. Mote research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems. Mote’s vision includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing this research is The Aquarium at Mote, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year.
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