2021 5K Homepage 2021 Fish Teams

 

How does a 5K work? |How to register? | Other ways to support marine conservation |What's included in the 5K fee? | Participating in a group | Sharing your 5K experience | Is there a social contest?| Recording your 5K time |Can packages be shipped internationally? |
Can you participate if you don't want the race swag? |What is the Oceans for All fund? |What is the history of this event?
Need more information?

How does a virtual 5K work?

When you sign up for the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, you’ll pay a registration fee (varies by race package). Proceeds of the registration fee will support REEF’s Oceans for All Fund prior to the race, all registered racers will receive:

  • Limited-edition Fish Out of Water 5K shirt
  • Race bib 
  • 2021 finisher medal
  • An email confirming your registration and details about the race 
  • Useful tools to help get you ready for the REEF Race week

The Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K will take place June 7-13, 2021. You can choose to walk, run, bike, hike, or any other creative mode of movement to complete the 5K in your community. You can complete the 5K in one day or over multiple days throughout the week.

How do I register for the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K?

Registration for the 2021 Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K is now closed.

During the registration process, you will select a race package. You can choose the Starting Line package or the Finish Line package (details outlined below). 

How else can I support marine conservation through the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K?

When submitting your registration, you’ll have the opportunity to join REEF’s Ocean All-Stars by adding on a donation to your 5K registration. The Fish Out of Water 5K Virtual Race benefits REEF’s Oceans For All Fund, which supports individuals who have had limited opportunities to learn about, experience, and explore the ocean. The Fund reduces barriers that limit diverse individuals and groups from participating in REEF programs through scholarships and other outreach initiatives. REEF’s Ocean All-Stars will receive special recognition along with regular donor benefits. 

REEF’s Ocean All-Stars donation levels:

  • $500 Supports an Oceans For All Scholarship for one week of REEF Ocean Explorers Summer Camp
  • $250 Supports a Virtual Field Trip program for a classroom
  • $100 Supports an Ocean Explorers Reference library for a classroom
  • $50 Supports an Ocean Explorers one-hour live demo or lesson for a classroom
  • $Your desired donation, all amounts will make a difference

What's included in each of the race packages?

This year we have two options for race registration that include different swag! 

Starting Line Package: $35 early bird through May 10, then $45

  • Limited edition race shirt
  • Finishers medal
  • Race bib

Finish Line Package: $55 early bird through May 10, then $65

  • Limited edition race shirt 
  • Finishers medal 
  • Race bib
  • Race fanny pack 
  • Fish Out of Water 5K sticker
  • 2021 Fish Teams sticker 

*Both stickers are waterproof, vinyl stickers* 

Both packages include domestic shipping within the US. International shipping rates apply. Packages will be shipped 2-3 weeks before the race. You can register and pay for multiple people in one transaction; only one shipping address per transaction.

Can I participate in the race as part of a group?

Yes! Visit our ‘Form a Fish Shoal’ page for more information. You can compete with your local dive shop, family, friends, and more! Any group of individuals, even from different geographic locations, can form a Fish Shoal together. Create a fun name for your group and designate a Shoal Captain to submit the information. Then each individual will register and list the Fish Shoal name on their registration form. Members of a Shoal do not need to select the same Fish Team (that is why it’s called a Shoal and not a School, shoals can contain different species but schools are typically the same species). Shoals are encouraged to get creative with their name, costumes, themes, and please – send us photos and videos of the fun! It doesn’t cost extra to form a Shoal.

How can I share my race experience with REEF?

When you finish your 5K, help us celebrate with you! Please send us race day photos or videos, so we can recognize your accomplishment and celebrate virtually. Share your race photos with us at explorers@REEF.org or on social media by tagging REEF. You can also use the hashtags #REEFRace and #FishOutOfWater5K!

We've created a fun and easy-to-use Social Media Toolkit to help you tell others about the race. This toolkit contains resources you can use to share information about REEF's Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K. Use the sample texts and graphics to post on your social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Is there a social contest this year?

Yes! Anyone who shares a photo of themselves in their race gear on social media with at least one of the hashtags given above (#REEFRace or #FishOutOfWater5K), or by sending us a photo by email to 5Krace@REEF.org, will be entered to win a basket of REEF goodies!

Do I need to record my time for completing the 5K?

It's up to you. If you track your time and distance using a fitness watch or app on your phone, we encourage you to share your success with us after the race. Before race week, we will provide a survey form link for participants who want to submit their race time. All submissions will go directly to REEF, and the form will allow you to keep your time submission anonymous if you prefer. 

Can my race package be shipped internationally?

Yes! We can ship your package anywhere. There is no cost for US domestic shipping. International shipping charges will be collected from participants who wish to have materials sent to an international address.

Can I participate even if I do not want the race swag?

Yes! If you do not want some or all of the included race swag, but want to participate, let us know in the Questions and Comments section of the race registration form. 

What is the Oceans for All Fund?

The REEF Ocean for All Fund is a pooled scholarship fund supported by businesses, foundations, and individuals committed to investing in a more equitable future for marine conservation. This fund promotes inclusive opportunities for people to connect with, enjoy, and learn about the underwater world. REEF works in partnership with established organizations that serve underrepresented groups to identify communities and groups to provide in-person and online programs, ensuring that cultivating connections with the ocean is not limited by zip code. The Oceans for All Fund reduces barriers that might limit diverse individuals and groups from participating in Ocean Explorers Programs and other REEF programs. To learn more about the Oceans for All Fund, click here here.

What is the history of this event?

In 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, REEF conceived of a virtual 5K as a way to bring our community together. The inaugural race had almost 500 participants from 37 states and 8 countries. Click here to see more results from the 2020 event.

Need more information?

If you have any further questions about the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, please email 5Krace@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030.