17th Annual Race for the Planet Slated for Earth Day Weekend

It's a sprint to the finish line-the registration finish line-for the 2025 Race for the Planet at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) slated for Sunday, April 27 at 8 a.m. A favorite for competitive racers and leisure walkers, the 5K and 1-mile fun run wind along the Atlantic Ocean and through the picturesque maritime forest that is home to the Aquarium. All funds support NCAFF green initiatives through the North Carolina Aquarium Society.

Registration is open at 2025 Race for the Planet for the greenest race in the Cape Fear. Space is limited for this popular event that features a route through historic Fort Fisher with beautiful vistas of the ocean and marshes-all reminders of the important work of the Aquarium to protect the environment.

Racers should keep "green think" top of mind as they make their way to the Aquarium for Race for the Planet. The Aquarium makes it easy to be green at the Race by hosting a family and eco-friendly event.

• Water refill stations onsite for reusable water bottles so that racers can avoid any single-use plastic water bottles.
  
• Racers should carpool with family and friends to the Aquarium.
  
• All visitors can support a greener environment by bringing household hazardous waste and electronics to drop off at the NCAFF Sustainability Drive.
  
• Racers should apply or pack environmentally friendly bug repellant.

The Aquarium will be open to the public following the Race. Online tickets are required to visit the Aquarium. Reservations are available at NCAFF Tickets. For racers who plan to visit the local beaches as well, the Aquarium team shares some important ways to protect sea turtles during nesting season which begins in May. Here are some good tips for protecting sea turtles.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $12.95 ages 13-61; $10.95 children ages 3-12; $11.95 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders*: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.