Join us in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on March 28th for the 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run in our Race For the Turtles®!
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) team is taking on the Cooper River Bridge Run to raise critical funds for turtle and tortoise conservation around the world. Every mile we run supports TSA’s goal of Zero Turtle Extinctions® and helps protect some of the most endangered turtle species on Earth.
From native species in the United States to Radiated Tortoises in Madagascar, Southern River Terrapins in Malaysia, and Magdalena River Turtles in Colombia, TSA works in over 30 countries alongside local communities, researchers, and conservation partners to safeguard turtles and the habitats they depend on.
This fundraiser helps power that work—on the ground and in the wild.
A world that’s safe for turtles begins with you. Read more below about how to join our efforts today.
How It Works
Getting started is easy! Interested participants will register for the Cooper River Bridge Run and join the Turtle Survival Alliance team, then set up a personal peer-to-peer fundraising page to support turtle conservation, and share their fundraiser with their network. We provide clear registration instructions, step-by-step guidance for creating your fundraising page, and a messaging toolkit to help you share your campaign with friends and family.
Every dollar we raise helps move turtles closer to a future in the wild.
Get Involved
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or crossing the bridge with us, you can make a difference for turtles.
- Donate to the campaign
- Run alongside us and raise funds for turtle conservation
- Support a runner or the team
- Share your fundraiser with friends and family
Together, we can turn miles into meaningful impact for turtles around the globe.
Benefits of Joining the Team
Raise more than $100 and you’ll receive:
- Exclusive Race For the Turtles® T-shirt and swag
- A post-race visit to the Turtle Survival Center, our Lowcountry assurance colony and a global model for conservation breeding and research. This facility is closed to the public. (Date TBD)
Why We’re Running
Turtles have survived for millions of years, but today, over half of all turtle and tortoise species are threatened with extinction. Threats like habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, road mortality, and climate change are pushing these ancient species to the brink.
By joining and supporting TSA’s Cooper River Bridge Run Team, you’re helping fund:
- Protection and restoration of endangered turtle species worldwide
- Habitat conservation efforts
- Community-based conservation and education programs
- Research and monitoring that guide effective, science-based solutions
Every step we take—and every donation you make—brings us closer to a future where turtles thrive in the wild.
Impact Statement
Your support of the TSA Cooper River Bridge Run Fundraiser directly advances turtle conservation worldwide. Funds raised support TSA’s highest-priority conservation efforts—protecting endangered species, preserving critical habitat, and empowering local communities to help ensure turtles survive for generations to come.
Race Details
The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and best conducted 10K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year.
The race begins at 8 AM in Mt. Pleasant, SC on March 28, 2026 and ends across the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, SC. The starting line is at the corner of Coleman Blvd. and Simmons St. (in front of Moultrie Middle School).
Please visit the Bridge Run website for exact location details and more information.