Mote hosts 29th annual 5K Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key
By
Amanda Morales
| 2:30 p.m. April 4, 2015
Sarasota
Neighbors
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In support of sea turtle conservation, local runners took to the sands for the 29th annual 5K Run for the Turtles on Saturday morning at Siesta Beach.
The morning began with guests interacting with Shelly the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium mascot and volunteers on hand with sea turtle fun facts. The event will benefit sea turtle conservation and research at Mote Marine Laboratory and is a major fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Conservation Program. Participants had the choice between two courses with a one-mile fun run and a 5K.
Overall winner for the 5K Ben Olson finished the race with a time of 16:36 with second place winner Kevin Smith shortly behind him with a time of 17:05. Representing the female overall winner was Heather Butcher with a time of 18:58.
Shelly welcomes back runners from the one mile fun run during the Run for the Turtles on Saturday morning.
Members of the Girls on the Run team received personalized medals.
Overall winner Ben Olson with Shelly the turtle after crossing the finish line.
Overall winner 15-year-old Ben Olson just before completing the race.
Overall female winner Heath Butcher crosses the finish line.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium volunteers Doris Anne Lucia, Sue Stolberg, Diane McKissick, Lillian and Dennis Riley were there to educate guests on sea turtle conservation.
Runners start the course for the 5K Run for the Turtles on Siesta Beach.
Volunteer Lillian Riley holds up a flag that is used to mark sea turtle nests.
Shelly the turtle leads runners in a warm up before the race.
Runners take their places before the start of the race.
Dori Law shows off her turtle friend on her hat.
Reece Lanum brought his turtle to the race.
Nancy and Katie Morris before the race.
Members of the Girls on the Run group Elizabeth and Emily Ireland with Claire Taylor, Kaya McCue and Brooke Taylor.
Shelly the turtle poses with Ella Kovach.
Amy Brumagin, Jarivette and Jamaris Ayala with Josefa Lozano before the race.
