Step up for conservation!
This year we take it to the coast
Join the fourth annual Surf & Sun Walk & Run!
For the past 3 years, Oregon Shores has hosted Surf & Sun Walk & Run as a virtual walkathon event. On February 28, 2026, this annual challenge moves from the virtual world to the Oregon coast. Join a family friendly 5K walk or run to raise funds and awareness for Oregon Shores and protect our coast through citizen powered conservation.
In-Person Race Day February 28th, 2026
This 5k sand run will take place in Florence, Oregon on February 28th, 2026. Starting and ending at Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center, this family-friendly race will loop through the dunes, down to the jetty, and end back on the flat beach.
Rally your friends, family, and colleagues to support every mile you conquer. With their donations, you’ll amplify your impact and help Oregon Shores protect coastal ecosystems, landscapes, and communities.
At-Home Option
Need more than 1 day for a 5k? Challenge yourself to walk, run, or move your body however works best for you for as many miles as you can from February 21st to 28th. Embrace the spirit of adventure and the thrill of making a difference.
But don’t stop there! Rally your friends, family, and colleagues to support every mile you conquer. With their donations, you’ll amplify your impact and help Oregon Shores protect coastal ecosystems, landscapes, and communities.
Join us in Florence on the 28th for the after-party to celebrate your success!
Take the challenge, explore the coast!
FAQs
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How will the participants raise funds?
We are using Givebutter. You’ll join as a team member on our Givebutter fundraising page and use its tools to share that on social media and via email to engage your friends and family.
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How does fundraising work?
Any participant can visit our Givebutter campaign (or you can send them your personal link) and click on the team member they would like to support. When they are on your page, they can click “Donate” at the top right to share their support on your behalf.
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What do you add to your Fundraising Page?
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First, you will need to sign in to or create a Givebutter account.
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Then, you’re asked to share a fundraising goal and write a note sharing why you support Oregon Shores and why you hope your friends donate. You can also share when and where you plan to walk or run your miles.
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Lastly, you can add an additional picture or video if you’d like. The picture could be some pretty spot on the coast or your favorite ocean creature. (If you don’t have anything appropriate, feel free to use any picture from our webpage, or you can email [email protected], and she’ll email you one).
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How can I help encourage my friends to donate?
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Once you’ve set up your Givebutter page and like the way it looks, you can click on the link to “Share,” which offers up options to directly post on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or get the link that you can copy and paste directly into an email, text message, or social media post.
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We encourage you to start sharing your participation in the challenge about a month before the August 1st start date. For example: “I’ll be joining Oregon Shore’s Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run starting August 1st to raise funds for their work conserving our coast. I plan to move at least 3 miles and hope my friends will each donate a minimum of $25 to support Oregon Shores’ work.”
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Then, start spreading the word by sharing the link to your Givebutter page!
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Do I need to donate myself?
After paying the $25 registration fee, fundraisers do not have to donate. However, we do feel most fundraisers will want to make at least a small donation (even $5) on their own fundraising page to help build momentum towards their goal.
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When will the fundraising take place?
Surf & Sun Virtual Walk & Run will take place from August 1-10. We encourage participants to begin sharing their fundraising page at least a week in advance to rally their friends to pledge their donations.
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What if I can’t make it to the coast?
Walking or running outside on any public natural land counts as participation in this event.
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How do I track my miles? Do I need to run or walk them all at once?
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You have the entire challenge duration (August 1-10) to accumulate your miles.
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Your kick-off email will include instructions and a link to this Google Form to track your miles once the event starts. You can also send your mileage by email to Sarah ([email protected]), and she will enter it on your behalf.
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Participants are encouraged to tag Oregon Shores in a selfie on social media at the end of their run/walk so we can share their progress.
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What if I can’t participate but want one of your cool t-shirts?
Email [email protected] before August 1st to order a shirt.
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How will the funds raised be used?
Some of Oregon Shores’ top 2025 priorities include:
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Oregon Shores’ Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries: We are working to influence the state’s update to its 22 estuary plans so that they will protect our natural legacy in light of climate change. In the coming months, you’ll have opportunities to help by participating in seminars, field trips, and workshops.
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CoastWatch in the Schools: this program schools in all Oregon coastal counties to a shoreline mile near their school that they visit, observe, and document over time. The program encourages students to take pride in a part of Oregon’s public shoreline, watch it closely for changes (natural or human-caused), and share what they find on our website. Your support helps us expand this free program to more classrooms along the coast.
Oregon Shores has built a 50-year legacy of scenic landscapes, unmarred by condos, hotels, and other developments that threaten coastal wildlife and public access to beaches. From Astoria to Brookings, we’ve successfully watchdogged land use and other decisions made by local and state governments. We couldn’t do this without your support.
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What if I have more questions?
Email our Operations and Development Manager, Sarah Reiter, [email protected].