Run, Walk, Paddle, or Ride—Save the Manatee 5K Welcomes Global Participants Virtually

Save the Manatee Club is excited to bring the Save the Manatee 5K Run/Walk to Florida and once again to extend the opportunity for virtual participation to manatee lovers from around the world. 

After 21 years of hosting the race in Michigan, 5K founders Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald handed the baton to Save the Manatee Club to bring the race home to the manatee state and continue the worldwide virtual option that draws participants from all 50 states and several other countries. Participants can complete the event on their own time from wherever they are while doing an activity of their choice. In the past, participants have joined in the event by running, walking, swimming, paddling, biking, diving, ice-skating, and more.

“I have taken part in the virtual event for the last six years from England,” says Jeannette Dixon, who completes the 5K riding her horse, Link. “We do it because we want to support manatees, and it’s really fun. Link is also a rare, threatened breed of pony, so we love to show our support for another rare breed.” 

Each virtual participant receives a race packet that includes a commemorative shirt, finisher medal, and bib. Participants also have the option to upload their results online. 

Gigi Weisman has participated in the virtual 5K with her daughter and granddaughter from Vermont for the past three years. “I feel like the virtual 5K raised my granddaughter’s awareness about manatees,” says Gigi. “Also, when we wear the t-shirts, people ask questions since there are no manatees here in Lake Champlain!”  The sold-out in-person event will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, to kick off the manatee season, while the virtual option is open for the whole year. Register for the virtual race today at savethemanatee5k.com.