8th Annual Ridley Rush Supports Sea Turtle Conservation

Updated: June 8, 2024

Brownsville, Texas (May 28, 2024) — Gladys Porter Zoo and Chick-fil-A present Ridley Rush, an annual event to support sea turtle conservation. This year, the Ridley Rush also offers a chip-timed 5K in addition to its 1-mile fun run. The Ridley Rush 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will take place on Saturday, June 8th at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Proceeds from this event directly benefit the Bi-National Kemp’s ridley sea turtle conservation project that the Zoo oversees in the state of Tamaulipas where 98% of the worldwide Kemp’s ridley nesting occurs.

The routes take participants through a fun and colorful run as they encounter what a baby sea turtle must endure on its rush to the ocean as well as throughout its journey to adulthood. From predators to ocean debris, sea turtles are faced with a multitude of hurdles to overcome in the wild. So apart from raising money for conservation, the run is also educational for all participants.

The link to register can be found on the Zoo’s website, gpz.org. The cost to participate is $35.00 for the 5K and $30.00 for the 1-mile. This cost covers the entrance to the Zoo, a race bib, race medal and a limited-edition Ridley Rush dri-fit shirt. Runners must register by Wednesday, May 29th to secure their preferred shirt size. Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate and wear sea-turtle attire or costumes. Not only can participants enjoy the run, but they can also enjoy refreshments and activities after they reach the finish line.

A special thanks goes out to this year’s Ridley Rush sponsors: Chick-fil-A, H-E-B Helping Here, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, Raising Cane’s, NBC 23, CBS 4, the City of Brownsville, and Visit Brownsville.

More information on the Ridley Rush and the Zoo’s Kemp’s ridley conservation project can be found at www.gpz.org