The Raptor Run, a beloved 5K through the scenic Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, is back for its ninth year on Saturday, December 14 at 8 a.m. Hosted by St. Pete Strength Center (formerly Anytime Fitness DTSP) and Peli Productions, this annual event invites participants to enjoy a beautiful, marked trail through one of St. Pete’s most iconic natural preserves, located along the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Early bird registration is open at $40 through November 13, increasing to $50 afterward. The race is limited to 200 participants to protect the trails, and spots tend to sell out quickly. Children under 8 can attend for free. Registrants receive a locally designed 2024 Raptor Run long-sleeved dry-fit shirt featuring the short-tailed hawk, a native bird you can encounter firsthand in Boyd Hill’s Birds of Prey Program.
With registration, runners receive an exclusive, locally designed and printed 2024 Raptor Run shirt, highlighting the short-tailed hawk. This bird, a native resident of Florida’s ecosystems, is part of Boyd Hill’s efforts to educate the public about wildlife through their Birds of Prey Program.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve originally began as a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg. It has since evolved into a mosaic of natural habitats and wild landscapes that celebrate Florida’s rich ecology.
Raptor Run gives you the ultimate Boyd Hill experience
From the outer 5K marked Main Trail, five side trails (mostly loops) showcase specific habitats: the Swamp Woodlands Trail, Willow Marsh Trail, Lake Maggiore Trail, Scrub Island Trail, and Pine Flatwoods Trail. These side trails immerse participants in diverse habitats and feature unique sights like the giant armadillos along Wax Myrtle Pond.
The marked race trail is ready for participants to walk, run, or even crawl at their own pace. This not-for-profit run directly benefits Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and The Friends of Boyd’s Raptor Fest, which funds the Birds of Prey program. This essential program provides a permanent home for non-releasable native birds of prey, while educating thousands of visitors each year on the importance of protecting these animals and their roles in our ecosystem.
Raptor Fest places an emphasis on scavenger birds, supporting the care, feeding, and education around these vital creatures. Donations and sponsorships go directly to the birds’ care and enable outreach programs to inspire conservation efforts in the community.
Recently, the City of St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department completed new enhancement projects at Boyd Hill, including the new Terry Tomalin Campground, a 12-site primitive public camping area. These upgrades at the city’s 245-acre nature preserve support St. Petersburg’s vision to educate and inspire conservation awareness among both youth and adults.
Learn more about Raptor Run and register here.
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