The Friends of Weedon Island are excited to announce the 11th Annual Gopher Weedon 8K Trail Run. It will be held on October 28, 2023.

Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Go-pher something different and enjoy 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bay’s hidden gems!

The Gopher Weedon trail run will take runners and walkers along a journey through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. This unique, professionally-timed race will take place on Saturday, October 28th at the Weedon Island Preserve - a 3,700-acre preserve nestled along Tampa Bay in northeast St. Petersburg. The race course winds through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails. Runners may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named), as well as relic Indian mounds and dune ridges left by the preserve’s earliest inhabitants.

After the race, enjoy refreshments before strolling through the Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can learn more about the prehistoric people and the natural environment.

All proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that supports environmental preservation and education at the Weedon Island Preserve.

All registered runners/walkers will receive:

• Technical Race T-shirt
• Professional race timing and race results
• Overall top male & female awards and age group awards
• Refreshments and aid stations
• Educational and cultural activities at the cultural center.
• No Race Day Registration due to parking limitations

Event details and schedule

Advance Packet Pick Up: Friday, October 27, 5-7 p.m. at Feet First, 4949 4th St N. St Petersburg. Gift Certificate Drawing on Saturday to include all who pick-up their packet on the Friday Advance Pick-up  

Race Morning Packet Pickup: 7:00-7:45 a.m. Weedon Island Auditorium

Pets are not permitted in the Preserve. Please do not bring them Race Day.

Strollers welcomed in the Preserve; but, due to trail surfaces, NOT on the Race Course.

Parking will be in the Cultural and Educational Parking Lot. Space is limited. PLEASE CARPOOL with your friends. Space is limited. Volunteers will direct you to overflow parking (as needed)

Bug Spray suggested and will be in your SWAG bag

Race begins at promptly at 8:00 a.m.