HUDSON — The runners certainly weren’t moving at the pace of a turtle.
The fifth annual Turtle Trot drew a record 253 runners and speed walkers to SunWest Park on April 11, with participants tackling either a 10K or 5K course around the spring-fed lake.
Proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Adaptive and Inclusive Programming. The PAIR program’s mission is to enrich the community by offering inclusive and adaptive programming within the county parks system, ensuring individuals of all abilities have access to recreational opportunities.
The race also continued the tradition of honoring Angela Fagan, a parks program manager who died of COVID-19 in 2021.
“Angela loved the ocean and all things beachy, so we infused the course with creative ocean facts, flamingos, beach décor, dolphins and of course plenty of turtles — a vibrant, heartfelt nod to her spirit and the joy she brought to our team,” said PAIR coordinator and event organizer Kim Miller.
April is All Abilities Month, and the parks department is hosting several events, including Adaptive Sports Day on April 25 at Wesley Chapel District Park, where individuals with physical disabilities can try sports ranging from basketball to tennis.
To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/All-Abilities-Month-2026.