The fan-favorite annual race event returns to the road on Saturday, April 29, 2023! Race with us on Jekyll Island as we mark the start of sea turtle nesting season on the Georgia coast. This important fundraising event supports the lifesaving work of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, through the Jekyll Island Foundation. Your support helps continue the Center’s mission of sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education.
Turtle Crawl was created in 2003 as a fundraiser for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to support its mission of sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and education. In more than a decade of operation, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has provided care for more than 3,000 patients, including a variety of sea turtle species and other coastal wildlife. Turtle Crawl participants have raised more than $100,000 to help save sea turtles and we sincerely appreciate your support for this event!
Become a sea turtle ambassador and race for a cause. Registration is now open! To join the races on April 29, 2023, choose between a 10K, 5K, and 1K Fun Run.
Onsite registration will be available for the 10K, 5K, and 1K Fun Run in Beach Village on the morning of the races, closing 30 minutes prior to race start.
Registration for the 2023 Turtle Crawl is now open! Runners placing in their age group will also receive a medal. Online registration closes Wednesday, April 26. Onsite registration will be available in Beach Village on the morning of the races, closing 30 minutes prior to race start. To guarantee a race shirt, registration was needed by Friday, April 14. Prices increases after March 9 and April 9. Register now »
To guarantee your race T-shirt size for race day, registration was needed by April 14. Race participants can pick up their T-shirts at packet pickup or on the morning of Turtle Crawl. For Ghost Crawlers, every effort will be made to deliver your T-shirt by race day.
Race packets will be available for pickup on Friday, April 28, from 2-7 p.m. at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center located at 901 Downing Musgrove Causeway, Jekyll Island. Race-day pickup will take place near the finish line in Beach Village.
The 5K and 10K races will begin at the times listed below from the start line, located near the intersection of Shell Road and Beachview Drive (adjacent to Jekyll Island Mini Golf), and finish in Beach Village. The Fun Run will start and finish in Beach Village.
5K Race starts at 7:25 a.m.
10K Race starts at 7:45 a.m.
1K Fun Run starts at 9:45 a.m.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in public lots, including Beach Village and Great Dunes Beach Park. Please note that the start and finish lines are located separately for the 5K and 10K, with the start of both races happening near Jekyll Island Mini Golf and the races ending in Beach Village. See a Jekyll Island map for public parking »
This event is made possible by the support of the following partners.
The deadline has passed to volunteer. Stay tuned for more ways to show your turtle support by lending your time and energy to the next Turtle Crawl event.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. The Center offers the public a chance to learn about sea turtles and see rehabilitation in action with a host of interactive exhibits and experiences. Year-round indoor and outdoor programs are also available for guests of all ages.
Explore opportunities with Summer Waves Water Park, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, landscaping, retail, golf, and more.
Runners, walkers, and sea turtle enthusiasts alike gathered to show their support and raise funds for sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Congratulations to everyone who participated, contributed to the cause, and supported the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!
If you were unable to pick up your race swag at the race, submit a claim form and we'll be glad to help!
