the osprey trail run is back for 2024 in its fifth year. All net proceeds from the race directly benefit st. lucie county’s environmental education programs

the osprey trail run is the first in a series of trail races taking place at various st. lucie county preserves. proceeds from the race directly benefit the oxbow eco-center’s earth day festival.

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net proceeds benefit the Oxbow Eco-Center

8k+25k trail Race

race scheduled for sept 21,2024

the osprey trail Run offers a unique experience inside the 94-acre george lestrange preserve in fort pierce, florida.  the race gets its name from birds of prey known as ospreys which are commonly seen in the preserve.

This loop-based trail race takes runners around a beautiful lake, along Ten Mile Creek, and through various terrain that includes technical single track winding trails, hard packed gravel, beautiful oak lined hammocks, oxbows, hills and low lying flatlands.  
 
Are you a trail novice? This is your chance to get your shoes a little dirty while experiencing one of St. Lucie County’s best kept secrets.

Run for the

All proceeds from the run support st. lucie county’s environmental education programs

The Environmental Resources Division has been tasked with bringing the community together to increase and reinforce awareness, knowledge and stewardship of our natural resources, inspire individual and community commitment to conservation, highlight organizations and businesses committed to sustainability, and lastly but most importantly TO HAVE FUN and CELEBRATE OUR EARTH.

Race details

 

8k option

Walk or run, 2 options for 2024*

the 8k (approximately 5 miles) race distance will consist of 2 loops around the course.

there are a limited number of spots available, first come first serve 

*8k Walk distance has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd awards (non gender)

 

  

 

25k option

the 25k (approximately 15 miles) race distance consists of 6 loops around the course.  if you consider yourself a trail veteran or love the longer distances, then this is your race. challenge yourself!

Note: The 8k and 25k race distances will be timed. There will be at least two aid stations on the course: one manned aid station and one unmanned water station.  

strava
See the Route on Strava. Get on the leaderboard

2024 swag items

 

Shirt
The included shirt is a super comfy poly-cotton blend or an optional ULTIMATE Edition Shirt upgrade (pictured).  Men’s and Women’s shirts are available.

Bag
For 2024 we have another surprise for you for the 5th Ospey. Stay tuned to hear about this year’s bag.

*Please Note: Items are subject to change due to supply chain shortages.

race medal & awards

finisher awards &
top finisher awards

Stay tuned for  updates. 

Photo of the trail

Race photos

Register for the 2024 race

You sure can. We are in the process of clearing some of the sections of the course. We will be hosting some practice runs as soon as the trail has been cleared to introduce people to the course

Feel free to contact us about volunteering at the race. We have set up a volunteer registration form.

We will be providing environmentally friendly offerings like peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, bananas, oranges, etc. If you happen to be plant based we’ve got options for you too.  

Yes of course. We are working on some really cool ideas for race medals, trophies and shirts. Stay tuned for updates. 

The preserve includes parking lot that can accomodate of 60 spaces. Overflow parking will be arranged if necessary. 

This is a BYOWB Bring your own water bottle event so that we can minimize waste.  There will be plenty of water at the event for you to refill your bottles  Stay hydrated!. Please bring whatever type of water bottle or pack you deem necessary. 

Yes the course will be thoroughly marked for the race.

If your lucky you might get a glimpse of the Florida Osprey or see wild rabbits, peacocks or even turtles.  

No. The distances will be approximate. We are in the process of GPS mapping the course but there are still sections of the course that are being cleared. We will keep you updated. 

We aren’t going to tell you NO but it is suggested that you use something like a bone conduction type pair of headphone so you can hear your surroundings a fellow runners. 

Sorry, St. Lucie county does not allow dogs on its trails. Keep fido at home please.

Highly doubtful, this is a trail race. There would have to have a major weather occurence to cancel because of weather. This is a beautiful time of year for a race. 

Yes, this is a timed race with bibs and stuff. 

You betcha. This is a great opportunity to get a taste  of running on trails. Since it is a looped course your never that far away from the aid station.

Yes. There will be waiver on the registration signup page.

Yes, depending on availability we will but we encourage you to sign up ahead of time so that we can guarantee you get your t-shirt and schwag. 

There will be two packet pickup days. If you are local we highly suggest you pickup your bib and swag prior to race day so that we can process out out of town runners on Saturday morning.   The first is at the new Port Saint Lucie Fleet Feet store between 4:30pm and 6:30pm  located at 11586 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 Please note that Fleet Feet closes at 6pm, but we will located outside the store.  The second is Day of the Race packet pickup starting at 6:00am at George Lestrange, the location of the race. 

7am start for 25k, 7:10 for 8k

Yes. There will be portable toilets by the start/finish line area. However, as this is a trail race there will not be bathrooms available on the course

No, it is not. While the location where the race  takes place are typically open to the public, and running at the same time as an event is totally fine. Those entering into the start/finish area or intentionally jumping into the race just after the start, using the marked course, racing against other runners, etc. are essentially freeloading off of the race and the other runners, regardless of whether they take aid station supplies, medals or other race supplies. 

  • Killer  race t-shirt
  • Race medal for finishers
  • More race bag schwag
  • Support by awesome volunteers
  • That good feeling that your helping to support Earth day education for local families
  • Aid station fueling and water
  • Awards for top finishers
  • Your name listed on Ultrasignup

Due to the nature of the trail and the width of the course this is not possible. There will be an area at the start/finish that is wide enough for wheel chair access. 

This is a trail race, Your baby jogger isn’t designed for this type of offroading. 

where to stay and what to do in the area

George LeStrange Preserve is less than a 2 hour drive from both  Orlando and Miami. 

George LeStrange Preserve is easily accessible from  both I-95 and the Florida turnpike. The preserve is about 7 minutes from I-95 and 10 minutes from the Ft. Pierce Turnpike exit. 

There are a number of hotels in the area including beachfront hotels on Hutchinson Island.

Clover Field Stadium

St.  Lucie Clover Park 
The Clover Park stadium (Formerly known as First Data) is the spring training home to the NY Mets and features the St. Lucie Mets AAA team. The stadium is currently wrapping up a $57 million dollar renovation that include replacement of the 7,100 seats; building a expanded entry plaza, team store and ticket office; concourse enhancements, including new restrooms and concessions; widened entrances into the stands.

Hutchinson Island
A barrier island that stretches from Fort Pierce to Stuart that includes sandy and pristine beaches with free public beach access. The island is home to endangered sea turtles  and many of Florida’s wildlife creatures.  Take advantage of activities like boating, sailing, golfing, snorkeling on the island.  

navyseal
Navy Seal Museum
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum houses exhibits to inform and educate on the role of Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and Sea, Air, Land teams. The museum also preserves the history of the SEALs with and outdoor obstacle course as well.
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit The Smithsonian’s unique exhibit contain model ecosystems. View the thriving underwater worlds of the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, visit the touch tank, and enjoy hands-on interactive activities! Nice little spot for kids to explore.

Downtown Ft. Pierce
Downtown Ft. Pierce has a number of restaurants, some on the waterfront, shops, the pier, breweries, and it’s home to the Sunrise Theater.

St. Lucie County Florida Logo
Environmental Resource Department Logo
Oxbow Eco Center Logo

St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department mission:   to preserve, protect and enhance St. Lucie County’s environmental resources through sustainable land management practices, regulations, public education and outreach.

Register for the race

2023 sponsors