Celebrating All Things STPS – Our Turtle Krawl 5K

Editor’s Note: During the month of May, we’re celebrating “All Things STPS” to commemorate our 38th anniversary on May 6th. Our Turtle Krawl 5K is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Read more to learn a little bit of history about the race.

Our Turtle Krawl Is Over 20 Years Old!

Our very first Turtle Krawl was in 2001. The event was created by Donna Lee Crawford, who worked for Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department. This “original” Turtle Krawl was held from 2001 until 2008 when Donna Lee left the Parks and Recreation Department.

In 2010, STPS decided to revive the race and make some changes including moving it to Indialantic and hiring Running Zone for course management and electronic timing. Also, they added race amenities including beautiful Turtle Krawl 5K shirts, sea turtle medals, and free refreshments after the race. We got over 600 race participants in 2010.

As the years went by, the race grew. Over ten years later in 2023, we had over 2,000 race registrations and 32 sponsors. Our Turtle Krawl 5K is our biggest fundraiser and provides needed funds for all our programs and activities including rescue and transport of injured sea turtles, nesting surveys, night walks, and other educational outreach programs. Also, in past years, funds have also been used to support Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center and the purchase of satellite transmitters for UCF’s Marine Turtle Research Program. Learn more about the history of the race using this link: STPS Turtle Krawl 5K History.

Thank You for Supporting the Sea Turtle Preservation Society!