Turtle Races Day

Turtle Races Day

Turtle Races Day is the first weekend in June and is celebrated in honor of the turtle. On this day, turtle lovers bring their turtle or choose a turtle to race. For most people who participate, this is a fun turtle loving tradition. 

What is so fun about turtle racing?

Turtles are adorable and so intriguing to watch. They are notoriously slow yet persistent. When you put them together and try to see which one is fastest, they never go in a straight line or in the direction you want! It is fun to watch, cheer and enjoy the day with friends and lots of laughter! 

All About Turtle Racing

Turtle racing is an event in which participants place turtles on a table, track, or pool and watch them walk or swim around until one of them crosses a set point. Most common is turtle races on land because turtles are fun to watch. 

Variations of Turtle Racing

- Place turtles in a circle and watch these adorable animals walk around until one of them crosses out of the circle and is the winner.

- Place turtles at a starting line and the first to make it to the finish line is the winner

- Outdoors it is common to put the starting line in a sunny location and the finish line in a shaded area since turtles will typically head toward the shade. 

History of Turtle Races

Turtle racing started to become known in the early 1900's when the Chicago Daily Tribune published an article "The Strangest Race Ever Run" about witnessing a turtle race of turtles being ridden by small children. While this form of turtle racing (riding the turtles) did not grow, turtle races started to gain notoriety. Events drew in spectators to watch these funny notoriously slow animals "race". Of course the race with turtles is not about speed, it's about persistence and heading in the right direction to cross the winning line. 

Controversy of Turtle Racing

There is some controversy over turtle racing and some animal activists believe it is cruelty to turtles. This stems from events and bars hosting turtle racing with drinking and gambling with the focus on those things rather than the safety of the turtles. This has caused many towns and businesses to stop the turtle racing in some places across the world. It is illegal in some places and there are more regulations on catching and keeping turtles as pets in many areas. 

Celebrate Turtle Races Day without real turtles

If you don't approve of racing real turtles, you can still enjoy this day and race with turtle floats in the pool, or play turtle racing games as you carry your favorite turtle toy. Place floating plastic turtles in the pool and see who can swish it to the finish line the fastest. Make up your own fun games while honoring the turtle. 

Have a Turtle Race responsibly

Turtle Races Day is a fun day that you can celebrate with friends while treating your turtles with respect and love. Put the focus on the turtle and be aware of its happiness. Be sure that you are not tiring or stressing out your turtles. Build a track in the grass or dirt where the turtle is comfortable. Be sure none of the participants are handling the turtles improperly. 

How Turtle Race Day Unites People

Whether you approve or disapprove of turtle racing, this day is about the adorable turtle and it unites people in shared passions. Those who want to protect this cute persistent animal and those who want to play with their turtles and laugh and share the fun with friends. The idea is to share your love of turtles and be sure to unite with other people who share that love.