All Save the Manatee 5K proceeds go to Save the Manatee Club.
On Saturday, October 7th, people from around the world and every single U.S. state will participate in the 20th Annual Save the Manatee 5K both virtually and in-person at the race’s home of Harrison Township, Michigan with the mission of saving an animal most of them have never seen in person!
In 2003, former local biology teacher Lesley Argiri, decided to combine her lifelong love for manatees and newfound desire for running into this cherished community event. “There are no manatees in Michigan, yet there are a lot of manatee lovers in Michigan,” says Lesley.
This year happens to be the first in-person race in three years due to the pandemic. Virtual races have held the fort since 2020, and Lesley is seeing the trickling effects of virtual convenience this year.
“A large portion of participants are remaining virtual this year, while a smaller portion are signing up for the in-person race than previous years,” says Lesley. “We encourage all of the Harrison Township locals to come support the runners – both humans and dogs, as dog participants are welcomed – or take the challenge of running, jogging, or walking in the race themselves! At the end of the day, no matter how people want to help, this is about fundraising for better livelihoods of manatees!”
Efforts have even begun before the in-person race! Virtually, families and individuals are able to do any type of physical activity at any time of the year to support the manatees. They have already been completing 5Ks, swimming, dancing, horseback riding, scuba diving, and more all year…and many still plan to run, or do another activity, on October 7th.
The worldwide passion for the Save the Manatee 5K is still strong this year with virtual runners participating from Japan, Netherlands, to Brazil, and more. In past years, participation has reached nearly 2,000! Lesley hopes to reach the same peak this year.
All event proceeds go to Save the Manatee Club, a non-profit 501(c)(3) based in Florida, the gentle giant’s main home. From its inception in 2003, this race has raised more than $368,000 for the organization, whose mission it is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. This year’s goal is $40,000.
More information about the Save the Manatee 5K, Save the Manatee Club, and Lesley is below. Lesley is available for interviews, along with Save the Manatee Club spokesperson Cora Berchem and executive director Pat Rose. Please let me know if you’d like to cover this memorable 5K for an extremely unique creature.
***
The 20th Annual Save the Manatee 5K
What: Save the Manatee 5K
Where: Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township, Michigan
When: Saturday, October 7th
- 9:00 AM – Mini Mile (1 mile) starts
- 9:30 AM – 5K starts
- 9:30 AM – Two Mile Walk
Website to register: Savethemanatee5K.com
What to Expect (in-person event)
- T-shirts, medals, and bib (race) numbers for all runners
- Trophies for the overall finishers
- Finisher medals for all participants
- Post-race food and beverages
- Picture opps with the big inflatable manatee and backdrops
- DJ and Tootsie the Clown
- Dog paw medals for dogs that finish the race
- Picturesque course along Lake St. Clair
- Plenty of on-site parking
What to Expect (virtual event)
- T-shirts, medals, and bib (race) numbers for all runners
- Can be completed on your own time from anywhere, doing an activity of your choice
- Option to upload your results online
Website to register: Savethemanatee5K.com
POST Photos/Videos with #run4manatees
The Save the Manatee Club would love to see any race day pictures! You can post them on their social media sites, using the hashtag #run4manatees.
About Save the Manatee Club
Save the Manatee Club is an award-winning national nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership-based organization founded in 1981 by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett and former US senator and Florida governor Bob Graham. The Club’s mission is the protection of imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. In order to accomplish their objective and goals, the Club concentrates efforts on public education and outreach, legal advocacy for manatees in the United States and beyond, as well as research, and assistance with rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured manatees with the goal to reduce human-related manatee mortalities.
About Lesley Argiri, founder of Save the Manatee 5K
Lesley Argiri is the founder of the Save the Manatee 5K in Harrison Township, Michigan. She taught high school biology for 30 years at L’Anse Creuse High School. While teaching ecology in 2004, Argiri sought to improve student awareness about global environmental issues. This inspired the Save the Manatee 5K to raise awareness and funds for endangered manatees. Year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the Save the Manatee 5K, which has raised more than $360,000 for the Save the Manatee Club.
