On the last Saturday of each October, Friends’ sponsors the Gopher Weedon Trail Run, an 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) professionally timed run. Held on the Preserve’s trails and boardwalks, the run flows through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat. Often the participants will see wildlife along the trail, including egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, and the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named). Indian mounds and dune ridges make the trail especially unique.
After the race, refreshments, and awards ceremony and lunch complete the event. Before leaving, a visit to the Center’s exhibit hall and 1,000+ year old canoe completes the morning event.
Register for the Gopher Weedon Trail Run!
Each year the race caps out at 200 participants, the maximum number to not disturb the habitat. Early registration is a must! Click on the registration link above for details on this year’s race and registration.
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