Turtle Trot 5K Returns to Lovers Key – Florida’s Only Beach & Trail Run

March 14, 2024

After several years of challenges brought by Covid and the devastation of Hurricane Ian, the Turtle Trot 5K Run at Lovers Key State Park has finally returned. For years, this race has been a favorite among locals and visitors who love combining fitness, community, and nature. This year’s return marked more than just another 5K—it was a symbol of resilience and renewal for Southwest Florida.


While a scheduling oversight meant that the Turtle Trot shared the calendar with the Fort Myers Beach Shrimpfest Run, the turnout was still inspiring. A total of 160 participants gathered at Lovers Key to run, jog, and walk the course. For what felt like an inaugural comeback year, the smaller field created an intimate atmosphere and allowed organizers to focus on rebuilding the event.


The result? A safe, fun, and scenic race that reminded everyone why the Turtle Trot is so special.

Turtle Trot 5K

Why the Turtle Trot 5K is Unlike Any Other Race in Florida


Florida is home to hundreds of 5K races, but the Turtle Trot is one-of-a-kind. What makes this event so unique?


  1. Includes a Portion of the Run on the Beach
    Very few races include running with your feet in the sand. At Lovers Key, runners start from the Welcome and Discovery Center, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the rising sun on the other. It’s a breathtaking way to kick off the race and sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Why not have the start on the beach? The sand ruins the timing system!
  2. Scenic Trail System
    The course weaves into Lovers Key’s lush trail network. Towering mangroves, shady trees, and winding paths make this portion both challenging and rewarding. You won’t find yourself staring at city streets or parking lots here—every turn of the trail immerses you deeper into Florida’s natural beauty.
  3. Wildlife Encounters
    Lovers Key is known for its abundant wildlife. While running, participants often spot dolphins offshore, osprey soaring above, and wading birds along the shoreline. It’s not uncommon for runners to say the wildlife sightings distracted them from the miles.
  4. A Runner’s Destination
    For out-of-town visitors, the Turtle Trot doubles as both a race and a mini-vacation. Runners often bring their families to enjoy a day at the park after the race. With swimming, kayaking, hiking, and picnic areas, Lovers Key offers far more than just a morning run.
Turtle Trot 5K

Race Day Highlights – 2025 Turtle Trot


Even with a modest field of 160 runners, the excitement of race day was undeniable. The Friends of Lovers Key, park staff, and volunteers worked together to ensure a seamless and memorable event.



  • Professional Timing – Durti Timing provided accurate results for all runners. Whether participants were racing for a personal best or just out for fun, every finish time was tracked.
  • Age-Group Medals – The top three finishers in each age category received medals, a tradition that rewards runners of all ages and abilities.
  • Family-Friendly Fun – Many participants brought their families, turning the morning into a full-day adventure. After crossing the finish line, families explored the park, enjoyed the beaches, and relaxed in one of Florida’s most beautiful natural settings.
  • Community Spirit – Perhaps the biggest highlight was simply seeing the community come together again. After years of setbacks, this race brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of normalcy back to Lovers Key.
Turtle Trot 5K

The Turtle Trot Legacy



The Turtle Trot has always been more than just a race. It’s a fundraiser and awareness event hosted by the Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and protecting Lovers Key State Park. Proceeds from the race help fund park improvements, educational programs, and conservation efforts.


By participating, runners aren’t just enjoying a beautiful course—they’re also contributing to the preservation of one of Florida’s most treasured natural parks.

Turtle Trot 5K at Lovers Key State Park

Looking Ahead: The 2nd Annual Turtle Trot – April 18, 2026


While this year’s race marked a successful return, the excitement is already building for the future. The 2nd Annual Turtle Trot 5K is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, and organizers are determined to make it even bigger and better.


Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:


  • Larger Field of Runners – With this year’s comeback serving as a test run, next year will focus on growing participation and inviting runners from across Florida and beyond.
  • Expanded Race-Day Experience – More vendors, activities, and post-race fun will be added to make it a full celebration of fitness and nature.
  • Enhanced Volunteer Opportunities – The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, and next year’s race will welcome even more community involvement.
  • Destination Race Appeal – Organizers are marketing the Turtle Trot as not just a run, but an experience. With Fort Myers area and Bonita beaches, restaurants, and attractions nearby, it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway.
Turtle Trot 5K at Lovers Key State Park

Why You Should Add the Turtle Trot to Your Running Calendar


If you’re a runner in Florida—or even just visiting Southwest Florida in April—the Turtle Trot should be on your calendar. Here’s why:


  • Unique Course – Where else can you run on both the beach and through tropical trails in the same race?
  • Great for All Levels – Whether you’re chasing a personal record or walking with friends, the course is accessible for everyone.
  • Scenic Beauty – Few races can rival the natural surroundings of Lovers Key State Park.
  • Post-Race Fun – Spend the rest of the day swimming, kayaking, biking, or simply relaxing at the park.
  • Support a Good Cause – Every registration helps fund conservation, education, and recreation projects at Lovers Key.

 


Plan Your Visit to Lovers Key


Lovers Key State Park is located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.


The park is open year-round and offers:


  • Miles of beaches with soft white sand
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding in the back bays
  • Biking and hiking trails through diverse habitats
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities including manatees, dolphins, and over 40 species of birds


By combining your Turtle Trot race with a day at the park, you’ll get the best of both worlds—an active morning followed by relaxation in one of Florida’s most scenic destinations.

 


Join Us in 2026!


The return of the Turtle Trot 5K was a joyful reminder of the resilience of our community and the beauty of Lovers Key. With 160 runners in 2025, we set the stage for growth, excitement, and new traditions in the years ahead.


Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, 2026, and get ready to experience the only 5K in Florida that starts on the beach and winds through lush park trails. Whether you’re a serious runner, a casual jogger, or someone who just loves supporting a good cause, the Turtle Trot at Lovers Key is waiting for you.


Stay tuned to the Friends of Lovers Key website and social media channels for registration details, volunteer opportunities, and all the latest updates. We can’t wait to see you at the starting line!

GET INVOLVED WITH FRIENDS OF LOVERS KEY
Lovers Key State Park is supported by Friends of Lovers Key

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The Incredible Importance of the Horseshoe Crab: Nature’s Ancient Guardian

By Christy Hennessey, Board Secretary, Friends of Lovers Key • October 28, 2025
If you’ve ever wandered along the shore near Lovers Key State Park and spotted a strange, helmet-shaped shell washed up on the sand, you’ve had a close encounter with one of the ocean’s oldest and most remarkable creatures — the horseshoe crab . Though its name might make you think it’s related to crabs or lobsters, this living fossil is actually more closely related to spiders and scorpions . And while it may look a bit like something from a science fiction movie, the horseshoe crab is one of nature’s greatest success stories — and one of the most important creatures in the sea. A Living Fossil That Has Stood the Test of Time The horseshoe crab has been on Earth for over 450 million years — long before the dinosaurs appeared and hundreds of millions of years before humans walked the planet. That makes it one of the oldest surviving species on Earth. Over all that time, its body design has barely changed. Clearly, evolution got it right the first time. The hard, curved shell protects it from predators, while its long, pointed tail — called a telson — helps it flip over if it gets stuck upside down. Despite their slightly intimidating appearance, horseshoe crabs are completely harmless. They don’t sting, bite, or pinch. Instead, they quietly roam the shallow ocean floor, feeding on clams, worms, and other small organisms. Here in Southwest Florida , they’re a familiar but often overlooked part of our coastal ecosystem. Every spring, these ancient creatures crawl ashore during high tides to spawn and lay eggs , continuing a cycle that has endured for nearly half a billion years.

Sand, Sea—and Careful Timing: Beach Renourishment at Lovers Key State Park

By Christy Hennessey, Board Secretary, Friends of Lovers Key • October 28, 2025
Lovers Key State Park a true coastal treasures: a string of barrier islands, wide white-sand beaches, mangrove-lined estuaries and a rich cast of wildlife.