Marine Mammal Center Run for the Seals on August 15

The world renowned Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year which in itself is a good reason to participate in their annual 5k “Run for the Seals”, August 15th. Other good reasons include: a beautiful route, a good work out and a good cause. If you don’t want to run, you can do the two-mile Fun Run/Walk.

The race route starts at the Center in the Marin Headlands and goes along the Coastal Trail with breathtaking views of the ocean (just in case you aren’t already have a breathtaking experience running up the hill). The trail then descends (key word) to the road by Rodeo Beach and the lagoon, finishing at TMMC parking area. Just in case you’re really serious about this, the race will be timed and is certified by the USATF (CA15041RS).

Personally, I think it’s okay to go at a seal’s pace on land….flipper by flipper.

All ages may register for the race with or without a costume (yes, there will be a contest) and canines (on leash) are welcome (and yes, there is a dog costume contest as well.) I don’t know what the prizes are, but in addition to the costume prizes there are prizes for the 3 fastest women, the 3 fastest men, the 3 fastest girls and the 3 fastest boys will get them. To qualify as a “girl or boy” you need to be 12 years old or younger.

All pre-registered participants will receive a free commemorative t-shirt.

Can’t make the race? Sign up as a “virtual runner” – you won’t get a t-shirt, but you’ll get the satisfaction of contributing to a good cause without having to walk or run an inch.

Following the race there will be a Family Fun Day at the Marine Mammal Center – food, drink and fun activities including science games for kids and free docent led tours. You’ll get to visit the animal patients from the observation deck and tour the remarkable research facility.

Register for the race online or there is on-site registration that day is from 6:30-8 a.m. The race starts at 8:30.

Online registrants get a ticket to the Aquarium by the Bay and free food/drink at the Family Day as well as the t-shirt. Adults: $45 ($55 that day). Kids: $25 ($35 that day). Children under 4 are free as are dogs as long as they are on a leash (the dogs, not the kids).

And just in case you don’t know, the Marine Mammal Center is a rescue and rehabilitation hospital, education and research facility that cares for sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals like seals and sea lions. It is the largest marine mammal rescue & rehab center of its kind in the world, caring for 600-800 patients every year. In nearly four decades the Center has rescued over 18,500 animals along 600 miles of California coastline and in the state of Hawaii where a new hospital is opening to save the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. All proceeds from Run for the Seals benefit the life-saving work at the Center.

  • $10 buys a yummy fish milkshake for one orphaned pup
  • $25 buys 25 pounds of fish for hungry patients
  • $75 buys meals and medication for one pup for one day
  • $100 buys an admit exam for a seal or sea lion
  • $250 buys an injured patient an x-ray
  • $525 buys meals, medication and miracles (!) for one pup for one week

Look those harbor seal pups in the eye and you’ll never want to miss this race again. I’m in training.