Join us for the 24th Annual Scrub Jay Races on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The 5K and Scramble 10K utilize different starts and courses! Same great finish through the picnic area and post race party by the Nature Center and pavilions.
The Scrub Jay 5K is a course designed with the road-runners in mind. There is still the beauty and nature of Oscar Scherer Park on mostly hard packed surfaces but there are still some tree roots and a section on the trails and a little bit of the dreaded "sugar sand." You will begin near the Nature Center and travel the length of the main entrance road just about to the entrance before turning onto the Lester Finley trail and South Creek Nature Trail on mostly prepared-surface park trails including crushed shell and paver paths then onto earthen trails for the last 3/4 mile with only a very small sandy area.
Getting all "thumbs ups" and great reviews since its introduction in 2022, the Scrub Jay Scramble 10K is a course on the trails, sugar-sand included, with some ups and downs using recently created pedestrian underpasses and overpasses. Designed by trail runners for trail runners using the parks' features to challenge even experienced trail runners. Check out the detailed description and map of the Scrub Jay Scramble 10K.
Your registration includes a custom finisher's medal for all finishers and a post-race featuring hot dogs (veggie dogs on request), bananas and other snacks. Participants will receive a snazzy tech race shirt as long as supplies last.*
*NOTE: Race shirts will be ordered approximately three weeks before race day to have them ready in time. At that time all sizes will be in the online inventory and available only while supplies last. We do this to ensure that participants who register early will be sure to get the shirt size they select during registration. Any race shirts not picked up by the close of packet pick up race morning will be forfeited and available to swap sizes or for those who may not have had shirt inventory available at the time they registered.
5K and 10K Awards: Overall, Masters (40+), Grandmasters (50+), Senior Grandmasters (60+), Veteran Grandmasters (70+) and Youth Overall (14 & under)
Prefer paper registration? Download the flyer and be sure to mail it in so we get it by 12/22/2023 to be sure to get your shirt size.
Registering for the Virtual Scrub Jay? Mail it so we get it by 1/07/24 and your race swag will be mailed "race week" before the Scrub Jay. Sorry but delivery date cannot be guaranteed but you can still do your own Virtual Scrub Jay, enter results and get your digital finisher certificate. If we receive your registration for the Virtual Scrub Jay after 1/07/24, it is likely your shirt and medal will be to you after the Scrub Jay Races.
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Registration fees are non-refundable and not transferable. 100% of your entrance fees benefit the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc. a 501 (c)3 and the threatened Florida scrub-jay. Friends of Oscar Scherer Park supports the park through charitable, scientific, literary and educational functions, and through programs, activities, and fundraising to foster awareness of its importance as an environmental and recreational asset and to assist in conserving its natural and cultural resources.
The cost of this event is covered by the support of our loyal sponsors and a generous grant from Lee Wetherington Foundation, a Supporting Organization of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.
If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact us.
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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