O’Leno State Park Race the Tortoise 5K

Slow and steady wins the race. That’s the lesson many learn at an early age from the children’s story of the tortoise and the hare.

On March 3, 2012, would-be tortoises and hares can put the lesson into practice at the fourth annual Race the Tortoise 5k run/walk at 8 a.m. at O’Leno State Park, about six miles north of High Springs, FL on U.S. Hwy. 441.

Proceeds from the race will help the Park provide for the creatures in its Nature Center and buy an audio/visual system for training and education.

The certified race course is run along the park’s scenic paved main road, and all entrants receive a much-admired “turtle-enhanced” T-shirt.

The entry fee for those age 14 and younger is $10; for all others $20 through February 15, 2012, and $25 after this date through race day on March 3, 2012. Entry to the park is free for registered runners and walkers and those riding with them. The race is limited to the first 300 registrants, so sign-up now.

Prize money for Overall and Masters Winners setting course records is provided by Friends of O’Leno, Inc., the Park’s Citizen Support Organization and race host. First, second, and third place finishers in each age group receive special “Tortoise Trophies.”

To register or get more information, go to www.friendsofoleno.org and click on 5K Run. Or contact James Salvo (email jvsalvo26@gmail.com; phone 386-454-4115) with questions about the race.

Donations also are appreciated and tax deductible. Please make checks payable to Friends of O’Leno, Inc., and mail to P.O. Box 2879, High Springs, FL 32655.

The Tortoise encourages you to “Care for your heart, take part.”

Contact:

James Salvo,  386-454-4115 (H) / 843-709-1405 (C)

Race Director, Friends of O’Leno, Inc.

Email: jvsalvo26@gmail.com