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Otter Trotter 5K & Fun Run 2024

Date: Nov 27, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Hit me with your best trot!

Join Bayou the Otter the day before Thanksgiving, November 27, 2024 for the 5th Annual Otter Trotter 5K and fun run. The 5K will begin and end at the Mississippi Aquarium with a route through Gulfport Harbor Lights in Jones Park and an exclusive sneak preview of the nighttime Christmas multimedia spectacular – A Magical Mississippi Christmas presented by Gulfport Coca-Cola Bottling Company, UNITED. The race beings at 5:30PM at the Aquarium Plaza. The fun run begins at 5:40PM. Come early for the opening festivities at 5:00PM. The Aquarium will have Aquatic Wonders and Changing Tides open for race participants, fun run participants, and spectators to explore until 8pm and there will be previews of the all-new Christmas projection show – “A Penguin’s Christmas Wish” every half hour after the race begins.

Mississippi Aquarium will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024 and will reopen on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 12:00PM.

Become a part of our family and create a NEW tradition with us at the nighttime Otter Trotter 5K and Fun Run!

Come for the run, stay for the show!


Fun Run Decorating Contest

Get started decorations those strollers and wagons for our special Fun Run contest! Decorations should be in the theme of Otters or Christmas! Fun prizes will be awarded to each of the category winners.

  • On the date of the event, visit or registration table by 5:00PM to submit your contest entry.
  • Guest Judges will be on the site to determine our winners!
  • Three categories will be awarded: Best Use of the Theme, Most Elaborate, and Honorable Mention.

Registration Information

Registration INCLUDES admission to the aquarium for the evening show!

*Ages 5 and under are not required to pay 5k registration. However, a spectator, non-runner ticket will need to be purchased for children ages 3-5 for Aquarium admission.
  • Guests of race participants are required to pre-purchase a spectator ticket in order to enter campus during and post-race. Spectator tickets can be added during the registration process at checkout and are discounted. The day of the race will be the regular admission price.
  • For participants that register after November 14, event t-shirt sizes are not guaranteed but we will do the best we can to get you in your desired size.

What You Get

  • Run Registration (Including Bib and Medal!)
  • T-shirt (New Design & Color)
  • Admission to the Mississippi Aquarium after hours to experience Aquatic Wonders and Changing Tides
  • Exclusive Preview of A Magical Mississippi Christmas and the special projection mapping show “A Penguin’s Christmas Wish”

Packet Pickup Times

  • Saturday, November 23 from 10am-5pm at Ticketing.
  • Monday, November 25 from 5pm-7pm at Ticketing Plaza
  • Wednesday, November 27 for Day of registration and packet pickup will be available 4:00PM – 5:00PM at Ticketing.

Ticket Information

Race Day Schedule

  • 4:00PM-5:00PM Packet Pickup and Day of registration.
  • 5:00PM Pre-race festivities
  • 5:30PM 5K Race Begins & Aquarium Opens
  • 5:40PM Fun Run Begins
  • 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, & 7:30PM – A Penguins Christmas Wish
  • 6:45PM Post Race Awards
  • 7:00PM Course Closes
  • 8:00PM Aquarium Closes

5K Route Info

STARTING LINE: Mississippi Aquarium & CTA Trolly Tram Bridge
FINISH LINE: Mississippi Aquarium Entry Plaza
RACE START TIME: 5:30PM

*The route has been changed for this all-new nighttime experience!

Fun Run Route Info

Participants will line up following the start of the 5K.

STARTING LINE: Mississippi Aquarium & CTA Trolly Tram Bridge
FINISH LINE: Mississippi Aquarium Entry Plaza
RACE START TIME: 5:40PM

5K Route Map

Fun Run Route Map

Otter Trotter 5K FAQs


Where does the course begin and end?


What is the course like?


When and where is early registration package pick up?


Can I pick up my friend's packet?


Is there race day packet pick up?


Can I register at early packet pick up? What about the day of the race?


Are walkers and strollers welcome?


What is the minimum age requirement and do you need a parent's or guardian's consent to participate?


Can I have my favorite pet/dog run with me?


What if I forget my bib at home?


Will there be restrooms on the course?


The shirt in my packet doesn't fit. Can I exchange it for a different size?


Will there be anything after the race?


I'm running. Can my spouse/family volunteer?


I registered but now I can't make it. Can I get a refund or defer my registration to next year?


What if it rains?


What would cause the race to be canceled? Would I get a refund?

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