Scrub Jay Races

Event overview

The Scrub Jay Races take place Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL. This is the 26th annual running of the in-park events. Distances offered include:

• Scrub Jay 5K
• Scramble 10K
• Virtual Scrub Jay 5K
• Virtual Scrub Jay 10K

In-person registration is listed at $45 for the 5K and 10K (youth pricing applies). Virtual entries are listed at $52. Youth pricing is $15 for ages 0-14 and $20 for ages 15-18. Registration is open through race morning. Registration fees are non-refundable and not transferable. One hundred percent of entrance fees benefit the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park, Inc.

Courses, logistics and awards

The 5K and 10K use different starts and courses; both share the final approach and finish chute. Pre- and post-race activity is centered near the Nature Center at Lake Osprey, including parking and packet pick up. The 5K is mostly on prepared or hard-packed surfaces - asphalt, pavers and crushed shell - with the final portion on earthen trails and a small sandy section. The Scramble 10K is a technical trail course with sugar-sand sections, ups and downs, and pedestrian underpasses and overpasses.

Both the 5K and 10K are gun start with chip-timed finishes and on-site results. All finishers receive a custom finisher's medal. Post-race food includes hot dogs (veggie on request), fruit and other snacks. Race shirts are provided while supplies last. Awards are given overall and by age-category, including Masters and multiple grandmaster divisions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.