Turtle Crawl Triathlon, 5k and 10k Event...

• 5K Run:- Run 3.1 Miles
• Sprint Triathlon:- Sprint Triathlon Distance
• 10K Run:- Run 6.2 Miles

What could be more fun or more worthwhile than running to save endangered sea turtles?

Since 2003, Jekyll Island has hosted the Turtle Crawl, a set of races benefitting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC). Jekyll Island’s picturesque oceanfront and maritime forest are settings for two triathlons – the International Distance Triathlon and the Sprint Distance Triathlon, both sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Returning for 2017, a 10k race will accompany the 5k run, providing race fun for the whole family. All races are timed and take place on a certified course. 

These races do more than get your blood pumping; they also benefit the Island’s renowned GSTC. The GSTC is operated by the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) as a conservation program dedicated to increasing awareness through education, rehabilitation, and research programs. The Center is a working wildlife hospital that is open to the public, offering an interactive exhibit gallery and rehabilitation pavilion where guests can observe and learn about sea turtle and other wildlife patients. Since opening its doors in 2007, the GSTC has healed and released nearly 2,500 animals. The JIA, along with generous supporters through the Jekyll Island Foundation, enable the GSTC to operate its life-saving facility, the only one of its kind in the state of Georgia. 

A portion of your Turtle Crawl race registration goes directly to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. But we can do better, and we’re guessing you’re up for a little friendly competition. As part of your 2017 Turtle Crawl training, we challenge all athletes to raise additional funds for the GSTC. Swim, bike, run, fundraise. The miles add up and so can the dollars. The money you raise will help fund the rehabilitation costs for the Center’s patients and educational programming. Raise a lot of money and you’ll get some serious bragging rights. It’s a win-win.

Between the triathlon and 5K & 10K races, Beach Village will play host to Turtle Crawl Festival. Join GSTC for a celebration of the start of the sea turtle nesting season. Play in field day-style games hosted by the Center, dance with the GSTC mascot Scute during one of several live music performances on the Village Green, and grab a bite from a regional food truck. Enjoy the evening’s festivities while learning about what small changes you can do to make a huge difference in the life of a sea turtle.

From elite, world-class athletes to running novices, the Turtle Crawl races offer something for every athlete at every skill level. With four races to choose from combined with Turtle Crawl Festival and a unique island getaway, Turtle Crawl Weekend on Jekyll is not to be missed “racecation” for all families. 

*Event fees are non-refundable and no transfers are allowed.

Event details and schedule

Your Race Registration Includes:

• Race T-Shirt, must be registered by March 31 to guarantee a T-shirt and / or size
• Goody Bag
• USAT Sanctioned Triathlon Races
• Timed Event
• Free Race Photos 
• Post-Race food
• *Donation to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center*

FUNDRAISING:
Please click here to start your fundraising today in support of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday, May 12, 2017

12:00 - 7:00 p.m. – Race Expo at The Great Dunes Pavillion, including packet pick-up and race vendors

Saturday, May 13, 2017

7 a.m. - International Distance Triathlon (1500m swim, 29 mile bike, 10k run)   

7:30 a.m. - Sprint Distance Triathlon (600m swim, 14.5 mile bike, 5k run)

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Turtle Crawl Festival in Beach Village and Packet Pick-up and 5k / 10k Race Registrations open

Sunday, May 14, 2017

8:00 a.m. – 5k

8:15 a.m. – 10k

RACE DETAILS

Sprint and International Triathlons – May 13, 2017 

5:00am - body marking & chips open - Great Dunes Pavillion

5:00am - packet pick-up open - Great Dunes Pavillion

5:30am - transition open

6:15am - International athletes to the beach

6:45am - International athletes pre-race announcements

7:00am - International race starts swim

7:15am - Sprint athletes pre-race announcements

7:30am - Sprint race starts swim

11:00am - International Triathlon awards

11:30am - Sprint Triathlon awards

5k and 10k races – May 14, 2017

Walkers welcome; strollers are allowed, though must line-up at the back of the start

6:00am - 7:30am - registration and packet pick-up - Great Dunes Pavillion

8:00am - 5k starts between the JICC and finish line

8:15am - 10k starts between the JICC and finish line

10:30am – 5K and 10K awards (Planned time)

Course maps

http://www.jekyllisland.com/signatureevents/turtle-crawl-weekend/

FAQ

(More to come)