Scrub Jay Races
Osprey, United States • 24 Jan 2026
Event overview
The Scrub Jay Races take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL (1843 S Tamiami Trail, 34229). This is the 26th annual running of the in-person 5K and Scramble 10K and includes virtual options. Distances offered:
- 5K
- Scramble 10K
- Virtual Scrub Jay 5K
- Virtual Scrub Jay 10K
In-person entry fees are listed at $42 for the 5K and 10K, with youth pricing of $15 for ages 14 and under and $20 for ages 15 to 18. Virtual entries are listed at $52. Registration fees are non-refundable and not transferable. One hundred percent of entrance fees benefit the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park and programs for the threatened Florida scrub-jay.
Course and race details
The Scrub Jay 5K follows mostly prepared surfaces - asphalt, pavers, and crushed shell paths - with the final section on park trails and about 3/4 mile on earthen trails, including a very small sandy area. The Scramble 10K is a trail course with sugar-sand sections, ups and downs, and recent pedestrian underpasses and overpasses; it uses a different start and shares the finish chute with the 5K. Both in-person races are gun start with chip-timed finishes (no timing mats at the starts). All finishers receive a custom finisher's medal. A post-race offering includes hot dogs (veggie dogs on request), fruit, and snacks. Tech shirts are provided while supplies last; shirts are ordered about three weeks before race day and unclaimed shirts at packet pick up are forfeited. Awards are given by overall and age categories, including Masters and multiple age-group brackets. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.