NBP Volunteer Appreciation Party
Nathan Benderson Park's annual recognition for exceptional volunteer service and commitment to the park. Invitation only. View invitation and RSVP
Nathan Benderson Park's annual recognition for exceptional volunteer service and commitment to the park. Invitation only. View invitation and RSVP
This is the first installment of three programs scheduled. These outdoor events are one part of many “Hermitage North” programs, series, and collaborations planned throughout the season, spanning Sarasota County and the surrounding region. The programs feature industry-leading and award-winning playwrights, visual artists, musicians, poets, choreographers, and more — all free to the members of our community. The first event in this series – scheduled for Thursday, November 16th at 5pm – features two of the most innovative voices working in theater today. “Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park: Theater on the Lake” showcases the talents of Hermitage Fellows Terry Guest and James Anthony Tyler. These two talents split the bill to share some of their latest work and discuss the creative process as the sun goes down over the lake. This first program in the new series is presented in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Urbanite Theatre, and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. Admission is free, but registration is required ($5/person) at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Confirmed 2023-2024 dates for this first official season of “Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park” include: · Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 5pm · Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5pm · Thursday, March 14, 2024, at […]
Join nearly 4,000 of your closest friends Thanksgiving morning for the fourth annual Florida Turkey Trot Presented By Publix! The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 7:15 a.m. This event brings runners, joggers and walkers from across the Suncoast and beyond for what's become a new Thanksgiving tradition. All participants receive a finisher medal and race shirt, as well as food and drink at the after-race party. This event is a partnership of Fit2Run, The Runners Superstore, and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and benefits the Conservancy and the Big Bill Foundation. The Big Bill Foundation is named for former NBP Conservancy board chairman and legendary area businessman Bill Robinson, who began Fit2Run with his son, Parks.
With three challenge laps, 1,026 stairs to climb, weights to carry, and a Thanksgiving dinner to burn off, Camp Gladiator Sarasota's Gobble Gauntlet is a great way to work off the holiday!
Join nearly 4,000 of your closest friends Thanksgiving morning for the fourth annual Florida Turkey Trot Presented By Publix! The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 7:15 a.m. This event brings runners, joggers and walkers from across the Suncoast and beyond for what's become a new Thanksgiving tradition. All participants receive a finisher medal and race shirt, as well as food and drink at the after-race party. This event is a partnership of Fit2Run, The Runners Superstore, and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and benefits the Conservancy and the Big Bill Foundation. The Big Bill Foundation is named for former NBP Conservancy board chairman and legendary area businessman Bill Robinson, who began Fit2Run with his son, Parks.
Last Paddler Standing is an endurance SUP race. Unlike any other paddle race in the world, Last Paddler Standing is a race of stamina and strategy. Racers will paddle a 3.33-mile loop course, starting and finishing the loop within a one-hour period. The next loop will begin on the hour and the race goes until only one paddler is left standing. At the 48-hour mark, the length of the loop will be increased. Do you have what it takes to be the Last Paddler Standing? This is a SUP-only race. Paddlers must use a single blade, no double blades allowed. Boards cannot be hybrid sit on top. Prone is allowed but you must have a paddle on the board with you at all times. This race is designed to challenge your endurance, stamina, and strategic thinking. It's not solely about speed, so don't select your SUP based on that. The race will start on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 9:00 AM. The race will go until there's one finisher. The race is timed with each loop starting on the hour, every hour. Racers must be at the starting line within 10 seconds of the top of the hour. […]
If you're a military veteran, whether abled, disabled or wounded, there's room for you on the NBP Veterans paddling team — so fall in and get in sync with us! Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen alike, come try out paddling and contemplate being part of a team. Cost: Try your first session for FREE! Learn about Nathan Benderson Park's world-class paddling program for veterans Location: Meet us on Regatta Island, down near the boat storage area/launch docks. You'll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation. Reserve your spot today!
Click here to learn more and register.
Join in on all the excitement at the Sarasota Half Marathon and 5k at Nathan Benderson Park. The scenic course takes runners through and around the University Town Center area with nearly constant water views. National Anthem and Pre-Race Instructions start at 6:50 a.m. Both races start at 7 a.m.
This fun, family-friendly festive event features dozens of Christmas decorations at the start and finish line and music that creates an atmosphere that will get your Christmas season started off right! This professionally chip-timed night glow run will be a memorable experience like no other. Athletes run or walk the lakeside Christmas themed course at night. Athletes add to the atmosphere with their complimentary glow products that are included with registration. Spectators will enjoy free live runner tracking with the Elite Events Tracker App. ...and YES, there is 100% chance of pretty snowfall at the finish! National anthem and pre-race instructions are at 5:50 p.m., and the race begins at 6 p.m. Parking is $10 per car.
Boasting of "a distance for everyone," this event has sprint, Olympic and 70.3 triathlons. It's a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event. Click here for the schedule.
Learn the Outrigger Canoe Learn all the basics of this unique sport and techniques to help you perform to your fullest! This sport is a great full body workout, as well as a ton of fun! Sign up for our 5-hour course, divided into 3 sessions: (See new dates below that were changed due to inclement weather) Friday, Jan. 12 from 6-7pm via zoom Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10am-12pm Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10am-12pm Cost: $150 To register, click here History of the Outrigger Canoe: Outrigger canoe racing evolved as a natural extension of the peoples of Oceania’s use of these amazing craft for their everyday survival in fishing the oceans and in traveling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles. These people journeyed in double hulled voyaging canoes which still exist today. Canoe racing became an important part of island life, as much pride and prestige was placed on victory. During the European occupation of many of the islands, specifically in Hawaii in 1820, canoe racing was effectively banned and paddles were replaced with bibles. Later in 1876 King David Kalakaua reinstated the sport. By 1908 the first two outrigger canoe clubs […]