Scrub Jay Races

Join us for the 27th annual 5K and Scramble 10K Trail Runs

The 5K and 10K utilize different starts and courses!  Everything pre-and post-race is in the vicinity of the Nature Center at Lake Osprey: parking, packet pick up, starts, finish and post race.

Due to the nature of the course, dogs and strollers are prohibited on the courses during the event.

While the Scrub Jay 5K is a more road-runner-friendly course, there is still the beauty and nature of Oscar Scherer Park.   A lot of 5K is on hard packed or prepared surfaces; but, there are still some bumps and tree roots .  The last portion is on the Green Trail with nature’s roots and ruts and a section of about 400 meters in "sugar sand."  Check out the detailed description and map of the Scrub Jay 5K

The Scrub Jay Scramble 10K is a challenging, technical trail 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 custom finisher's medal for all finishers and a post-race featuring hot dogs (veggie dogs on request), fruit and other snacks.  Participants will receive a custom race shirt as long as supplies last.

*NOTE:  Race shirt sizes will be in the online inventory the shirts and size selection 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 Scramble 10K are gun start with a chip-timed finish.  (no timing mats at the races' starts) with results available on site and texted or emailed to you if you opt in during your registration.  

5K and 10K Overall and Category Awards: Overall, Masters (40+), Grandmasters (50+), Senior Grandmasters (60+), Veteran Grandmasters (70+) and Youth Overall (14 & under)

• 5K Age Group Awards: 3-deep in 9 & under, 10-12, 13-14 and 5-year increments 15-19 to 90 & over
• Scramble 10K Age Group Awards: 3-deep 14 & under and 5-year increments 15-19 to 80 & over.

Registration discounts:   Young runners receive special registration pricing compliments of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park (applied automatically during checkout.)  Members of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park can email for a discount coupon code.  Members in good standing of local running and triathlon clubs with membership on RunSignUp will have their club membership discount applied automatically during registration.

Come and enjoy Oscar Scherer Park's 34th Annual Earth Day Celebration and the 14th Annual Scrub-Jay Festival travelling to Oscar Scherer this year!

Entry to the Park and to the EarthDay/Scrub Jay Festival Celebration is FREE!

Saturday, April 22nd, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  (view/download the flyer & agenda below for info & schedule of events)

Events & Activities include:

• Earth Friendly Vendors
• Photo Contest & Exhibit
• Scrub Jay Presentation
• Kid’s Coloring Contest
• Kid’s Activities
• Tram Tours
• Live Music
• Food Vendors
• Guided Hikes
• Demonstrations

A treat for 2026, the road paving has been completed and improvements have been made on the Lester Finley trail so you'll enjoy a smoother ride for the first part of the 5K.    

The 5K is a Loop Course in Oscar Scherer State Park that is a more road-runner and walker friendly course and finishing on the trails with just a bit of sugar sand.  Check out the course map below.

Start at the red & yellow "START" feather flag on the entrance road at the "Y" intersection with the Nature Center parking lot entrance.  Head west out toward the ranger station on the main entrance road almost to the Ranger Station then U-turning and onto the Lester Finley Trail & using Accessible prepared paths.  Finish on some of the "tamer" trails of Oscar Scherer Park; but, they're still trails so be on the lookout for tree roots and watch your footing.  

For those preferring the trails and a more technical trail run, check out the Scrub Jay Scramble 10K Course Map.

Invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, running club...you get it...invite them all to run with you! 

Share the special Referral Reward Link in your registration confirmation with them and after 5 or more register using that link, you will get a $10 refund automatically.   All the Scrub Jay Race events are included so, after you register, it doesn't matter for which of the Scrub Jay events your invitees register.  For example, you can register for the 5K or 10K and invite your distant friends to join you Virtually and their registrations still count towards your 5 registrants but they must use your special referral link!  

To sign up to volunteer online, use your existing RunSignUp account. Your logon works across the RunSignUp platform for registrations, memberships, volunteering, etc. as well as TicketSignUp platforms. 

Tutorial on setting up a RunSignUp account:  https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062868-create-an-account

If you already have a RunSignUp profile but do not remember your password, here's how to reset it: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062678-resetting-your-password

Having problems with signing up online?  Email us.  Contact the Volunteer Coordiantor

Advance Packet Pick Up BONUS!  People who pick up their race packet at the advance packet pick at New Balance (Stickney Point) up will get a ONE DAY PASS for complimentary entry to almost any Florida State Park (3 excluded parks) 

Advance Packet Pick Up-Tentative

• Thursday, January 21, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota 34231 (show the coupon below for the special offer)

Race Morning Packet Pick Up

• Saturday morning the park gate will open at 6:30 a.m. and packet pick up will begin at 6:45 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. in the Annex (the all-seasons screen-room adjacent to the Nature Center building by Lake Osprey near the race start & finish and post-race)

NOTE:  The Nature Center will be open early so you and your non-running friends and family can visit and see the exhibits before and after the Scrub Jay Races.

Packet Pick Up Process:  Bibs will be assigned when you "Check In" at packet pick up (in advance or race morning) 

Your registration confirmation email will have a QR code and we will send a reminder email race with with the same QR code.   

Show the QR code on your smartphone (email or a screenshot works too) or a printed version OR skip the QR code altogether and just tell your name to our packet pick up volunteer.

Your bib number will be assigned right there.  You will get your race shirt in the size you selected during registration.  (Shirt size swaps allowed after the race if there are any available.  See the volunteer in the Annex (all-season room adjacent to the Nature Center.)

If you didn't get the email race week with the QR code, check your Bulk/Junk/Spam folders.  Still can't find an email?  You can verify that you are registered on RunSignUp Participant Tracking  No worries for pick up, our volunteers will look you up by name.  

Be sure you are registered for the distance you are doing, 5K or Scramble 10K. 

If you want to switch, contact karen@seaknighttps.com in advance or race morning see the volunteer at race morning solutions and registration.

ICYMI (in case you missed it)...  Sent 1/21 12:03 p.m. & Updates sent 1/23 7:29 a.m.

UPDATES:  

• You will be able to leave your unwanted layers of clothing at the water station.  Please DO NOT litter and leave things along the trails.  The water station volunteers will bring everything back and leave it in the all-seasons screen room next to the Nature Center.  This will be after they pack up after the final participants have passed so it may not be available immediately after your finish.  Parking is nearby everything so you can leave warm clothes for after your race in your vehicle.
• About the Hoodie...If you missed the deadline for the 25th Anniversary Scrub Jay Hoodie but decided you'd like one (or another one!), you can pre-order for the re-order on the Scrub Jay RunSignUp page using "Sign Up" for the "Order the 25th Anniversary Hoodie."  Picture is in the order flow or you can see the real thing at the packet pick ups.  Pre-ordering will require your credit card but you will not be charged until (when/if) we reach the minimum quantity.  At that time your hoodie is ordered.  

The basics from the 1/21 Email

Want to change race distances?  Or if you need to correct your personal information, contact the timers at Karen@SeaKnightTPS.com

Show your registration QR code on your smart device (screen shot works too) when you check in at Packet Pick Up.  Or just tell our Packet Pick Up Volunteer your name and they'll quickly find your registration. Your bib # will be assigned when you check in.

For our 10K participants - there are some detours from the course of previous years.  Check out the updated details and map online.  AND PLEASE, if you pick up your packet and check in and don't wind up running the Scramble 10K in the park on Saturday morning - let us know that you're not running with us so we can accurately keep track of who is on the course.  Please tell Karen at the Packet PickUp or you can e-mail Karen@SeaKnightTPS.com

Friends or family who didn't get this email?  Have them check bulk and junk mail or they can verify registrations on RSU's Participant Tracking

Advance Packet Pick-Ups:

• Thursday, January 23rd, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Balance University, 315 N. Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, 34235  Directions (Click here then "View Offer" for a coupon for NB or Fleet Feet)
• Friday, January 24th, 4 p.m. to *6 p.m. in the all-seasons screen room connected to the Nature Center near Lake Osprey (stay on the main entrance road to the end or ask the Park Ranger at the gate for directions.)  Come and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies when you pick up your packet any time from 4 p.m. to *6:15 p.m.  Hosted by My Favorite Race Events & Sea Knight Timing. (☹ Sorry, no S'mores this year. Campfires are not allowed due to a county-wide burn ban)     *For Friday's Advance Packet Pick Up, you MUST be IN the park by 6 p.m. when the park closes and the inbound gate is secured.  You will be able to pick up your packet and until 6:15 p.m.

Race  Morning

• Race Morning Packet Pick Up:  Park gate opens at 6:30 a.m.  Packet Pick Up is from 6:45 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. in the all-season screen room connected to the Nature Center building by Lake Osprey.  The race starts, finish, post-race and parking are all in the vicinity of the Nature Center.
  The entrance road will be closed to traffic starting at 8:00 a.m. for the race so it is important to be in the park on time!

If you should need assistance on the trails, here is a direct park phone number: 941-882-7213 (Even if you're not carrying your phone, maybe someone else is and saves this number!)

Race Starts:  Both the 5K and Scramble 10K start at 8:00 a.m., different starts, 2 different courses, going in different directions.  The 5K start is at the red & yellow START feather flag on the entrance road near the junction of the Nature Center parking entrance.  The Scramble 10K start is a little further at the red, white & blue stars & stripes feather flag, just about 300' from the Yellow Trailhead.

• Park gates open at 6:30 a.m.   PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• Main drive will be closed from 7:50 a.m. until approximately 9 a.m.
• Race day registration & packet pick up: 6:45 am to 7:45 am
• 8 a.m. Races Starts - 5K and Scramble 10K  
• Awards:  5K approximately 9:15, Scramble 10K approximately 9:45
• SIlent Auction closes 10 a.m. Winners announced.

For the 2026 Scramble 10K, the course is back to normal, all the hurricane repairs and restorations are complete!  

The Scramble 10K is a more challenging trail race route than the 5K.  The Scramble 10K route will take you deep into the park. Expect very sandy trails and some ups and downs in the terrain that might make you Scramble. This course is designed by trail runners for trail runners.  If you are more of a road race person, the 5K course is designed for you.  

Start at the red, white and blue feather flag on the road almost abeam the start/finish and in about 300' you'll turn left (north) onto the Yellow Trail as you run through this maintained scrub habitat.  This section of the trail is sandy in areas and will narrow in places. Coming off this section run past the Legacy Trail head and follow the shell road around before cutting in on the Lake Osprey Trail. This short section is an assessible trail and hard packed before the route takes you over the narrow campground walk bridge through a section of the campground and on to one of the park's newer traills, the Orange Trail.  The Orange Trail has some slopes, lots of tree roots and a narrow log bridge over a small tributary.  This trail takes you under the historic train trestle and under the popular Legacy Trail.

Don’t step on any gators while you stride around Big Lake and take in the views as you admire the restoration effort and the rookery that is starting to provide a future nesting area for birds. Over a small bridge and through the woods as you travel in the back side of the park along the Yellow Trail.  You'll have some areas of soft sand that will slow you down but keep going because the race isn’t over yet. You will pass through some of the parks prettiest pine flatwoods, huge oak hammocks and scrubby flatwoods, the habitat that supports the Florida Scrub-Jay. After stepping off the Yellow Trail, you will be along some of the narrowest sections of trail along South Creek. Over a couple foot bridges, you begin your route back toward the start of the race to the finish line. You will return along the Orange Trail again with a whole new perspective from this direction. Don’t forget to watch for the tree roots along the route and that narrow log crossing.  Back across the campground foot bridge and head down the sidewalk in front of Lake Osprey where the crowd cheers you on to the finish line. Make a sharp left turn behind the restroom building and your finish line is in sight.

Silent Auction for 2026 has some of your favorites and great new items!

Self-defense gift pack from Damsel in Defense; kayak rental from Whenever Watersports at Oscar Scherer; 2 Vortex Tours tickets + swag; Sport Clips men's hair care pack; New Balance & Fleet Feet Sarasota merch and gift certificates; Nature Photos by JR Photo; Oscar Scherer Glamping package by Timerline Glamping Co, Sarasota; and more!

The "fine print":

• You do NOT have to be a race participant to bid.

• You do NOT have to be present to win; however, items WILL NOT be shipped and picking up the item will be the winning bidder's responsibility.  

• Items will be on display race morning and bids will accepted in the Oscar Scherer Park all-season Screen Room adjacent to the Nature Center until 10 a.m. Saturday, January 24th, 2026

• At the end of bidding at 10 a.m. Saturday, the highest bidder will be notified (if not present, via phone) and winning bids can be settled by cash, check or credit card.  If payment is not secured within 24 hours, the next highest bidder will be notified and considered as the winning bidder.
   

Family friendly pricing for the Scrub Jay Races for young runners. 

Registration for the Scrub Jay 5K or Scrub Jay Scramble 10K  - $15 for 14 & under and $20 for 15 to 18 years old  (Youth Pricing applied automatically during checkout, Club discounts do not apply to Youth Pricing)

This form must be signed by all volunteers who are not active Oscar Scherer Park CSO volunteers.  Please review the form in advance to ensure you have no conflicts to volunteering for the Scrub Jay Races.  

You can print, sign, and date the form (USE DATE NO EARLIER 1/21/25-valid only for 3 days) and bring the form with you.

OR

We will have the form for you to sign when you arrive to volunteer.

In advance, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this requirement.

Prefer paper registration?  Contact the race to get a paper form and be sure to mail it in so we get it by 1/09/2026 to be sure to get your shirt size.  

Registering for the Virtual Scrub Jay?  Mail it so we get it by 1/12/26 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 1/12/26 it is likely your shirt and medal will be to you after the Scrub Jay Races.

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, their projects, 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.

If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact us.