The 2007 Turtle Trot 5K/10K, Walk and Kids' Runs are only hours away! Early registration is closed, but you can still sign up on race day, Saturday Sept. 1, between 7 and 8 a.m. You can download an entry form and bring it with you, or fill one out on race day at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center in Fernandina Beach.

Meanwhile, if you've already registered, you can pick up your race packets today (Friday, Aug. 31) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Club 14 Fitness in the Eight Flags Plaza on South 14th Street in Fernandina Beach, or at the Atlantic Recreation Center on race day starting at 7 a.m.

We try to make the Turtle Trot bigger and better each year, and 2007 is no exception. We'll have more age-group awards in the 5K/10K than ever before, plus two new major overall awards. And 5K/10K runners, and walkers, will be eligible for a big prize -- and you don't have to be fast to win!

The new prize is a four-day, three-night stay for two at the Amelia Island Plantation's Amelia Inn. It will go to a lucky participant in the 5K, 10K or walk, whose bib number is drawn at the post-race awards ceremony. (You must be present to win.)

In addition, we'll have more age-group award categories than ever, and some truly fine T-shirt artwork. Plus, you can use your race-bib number as a free day pass to Fort Clinch State Park. The Turtle Trot has become a holiday tradition, a great way to begin your Labor Day weekend. And this year's event is on track to be the biggest yet.

The 5K/10K routes will be the same as last year, starting on Atlantic Avenue in front of the Atlantic Recreation Center in Fernandina Beach. Runners will head west on Atlantic Ave., then turn north onto North 14th Street. 5K runners will turn around at their halfway point and retrace their steps to the finish line. The 10K route continues on North 14th St. to the back entrance of Fort Clinch State Park. The second half of the 10K route goes through scenic -- and shady! -- Fort Clinch, ending just outside the park's main entrance. Here's a look at last year's event.

The 5K/10K begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 1, with a 1.5-mile walk starting behind the racers. Half-mile and one-mile fun runs for the younger set will begin at 9:45 a.m.

As always, proceeds will benefit Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, a nonprofit that focuses on conservation of the island's sea turtle population.

The beautiful artwork for this year's T-shirt and awards was provided by Sandra Baker-Hinton, a "turtle lady" who patrols the beaches at Fort Clinch State Park. To see the artwork and learn about the artist, click here. She'll have a table set up inside the Recreation Center on race day after the 5K, so you can meet the artist and ask her to autograph your t-shirt.

Race-day registration will be from 7 to 8 a.m. Sept. 1 at the Atlantic Ave. Recreation Center (no entries accepted after 8 a.m.). Free parking will also be available at the Atlantic Recreation Center.

Registration fee is $20 per person. The kids' fun runs are $10 per person. Please make checks payable to Amelia Island Runners.

Awards will be presented to the male and female overall winners in the 5K and 10K, the overall masters (40 and older) winners, and the top three finishers in these age groups: 13 and under, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 and older. T-shirts will be given to all preregistered runners and walkers, and also to race-day registrants while supplies last.

The first-place boy and girl in the 1-mile fun run will also receive awards. The half-mile and 1-mile fun runs are for kids 12 and younger, and finishers will receive a ribbon and a chocolate turtle from Fantastic Fudge on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach.

Would you like to read the pre-race instructions? Here's the complete Turtle Trot Fact Sheet.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us. We hope you'll join us for the 2007 edition of the Turtle Trot!