Gotta Run

Run One Of These Fun Races in Sarasota This March

From Mote's Run for the Turtles to an exciting St. Patrick's Day run at Nathan Benderson Park, these are sure to keep you fit and busy.

By Allison Forsyth March 8, 2022

Lucky Leprechaun 5K at Nathan Benderson Park

Lucky Leprechaun 5K 2019.

March is the month of 5Ks and half marathons here in Sarasota County, and why not?! The sun is shining and the weather is just right. Lace up your shoes and get running at one of these fun themed races.

Shark's Tooth 10k

Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 8650 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

Gather at Rothenbach Park to participate in a two-day race. Formerly the Megalodon Challenge, the Shark Tooth event includes a 10K at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and a virtual run option. Participants will be chip-timed and receive custom medals at the end of the race. Register here.

Healthy Kids Running Series

Sunday, March 6 - Sunday, April 10, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto, [email protected]

The Healthy Kids Running Series is a five-week running program for kids Pre-K through eighth grade. It takes place once a week at Buffalo Creek Park in Palmetto and includes 50 & 75 yard-dashes, quarter, half and full-mile runs. Kids will compete for points and will be awarded trophies for highest number of points. Go to Brightwood Pavilion on Friday, March 4 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. to pick up a packet. Register here.

Wellen Park St. Patrick's Day 5K

Saturday, March 19 at 8 a.m., 19503 W. Villages Parkway, Venice, [email protected]

The Venice neighborhood will host its first St. Patty's day event as part of their "Countdown to Downtown" series. The race will start and finish at the Publix West Villages Marketplace parking lot. Pick up your race packet on Friday, March 18 at Wellen Park Welcome Center from 3-7 p.m. Enjoy post-race food, drink and awards. Register here.

4th Annual Lucky Leprechaun 5K

Sunday, March 20 at 8 a.m., 5881 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, (941) 358-7275

Wear your green and race the 5k trail at Nathan Benderson Park in this fun St. Patrick's Day themed race hosted by Fit2Time. Sign your kids up for the rainbow dash at 7:15 a.m., or run with your dog or kids in a stroller. After the race, enjoy some food and beverages, including green beer. Awards and a post-race St. Paddy's Costume Contest with be held with a special prize. Register here.

14th Annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K/10K

Friday, March 25 at 6:15 p.m., 1704 99th St. NW., Bradenton, (941) 742-5923

Join an evening run at Robinson Preserve hosted by Fit2Run and Fit2Time. Proceeds from the race will go to the Big Bill Foundation, created in memory of Bradenton native and Fit2Run co-founder Bill Robinson. The race will begin at 6:15. A post-race party will take place with a hot food buffet, 3 Daughters Brewing beer and seltzer, an award ceremony and live music. The whole family can attend, with kids' dashes beginning at 5:45 p.m. To register for the event, click here.

Rockin' Run & Roll 5K

Saturday, March 26, 6205 W. Price Blvd., North Port, (941) 429-7275

This North Port 5K will begin at the Morgan Family Community Center at 8 a.m. Runners and walkers of all abilities can join and portions of the proceeds will help fund the Parks & Recreation Youth Scholarship Program. Awards will be granted immediately after the event. Or, participate virtually and submit your time between Friday, March 25 and Sunday, March 27. Register here.

Greybeard Half Marathon

Sunday, March 27 at 7 a.m., 8750 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood

If you are a seasoned runner and like half marathons, then Greybeard is the one for you. Hosted by Run941 in Englewood, the race will begin at 7 a.m. on Manasota Key. And if you want a shorter distance, sign up for the 10K or 5K. Packet pick up will be on race day. Register here.

Mote Marine's Run For the Turtles

Saturday, April 2 at 6:30 a.m. or virtually, 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota, (941) 388-4441

Support the sea turtles by participating in Mote's 36th annual 5K or 1-mile race on Siesta Beach. You can join the races in-person on April 2, or participate in a virtual run from now until April 2. Participants can log distances online. Packet pick up begins at 6:30 a.m., 1 mile run at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K sanctioned by Manasota Track Club at 8 a.m. Enjoy award ceremony, prizes, food and kids activities after the race.

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