Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s 5th Annual Hike2o Challenge (3-day Backpacking)

*NOTE:* This is not a Loxahatchee Chapter organized event. FTA serves in a support role and are promoting the event. **An RSVP here does not mean you are participating.** You MUST register through LMC at the link below.

For full information and registration go here: [https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/WestPalmBeach/Hike2O](https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/WestPalmBeach/Hike2O)

### Information Sessions (optional):

Interested in learning more before registering? Sign up for a 30-minute information session and Q&A with our trail guide(s):

* Wednesday, October 18 @ 12:00pm EST — REGISTRATION CLOSED
* Wednesday, November 8 @ 12:00pm EST — REGISTRATION CLOSED
* Thursday, November 16 @ 12:00pm EST — REGISTRATION CLOSED
* Wednesday, December 6 @ 12:00pm EST — REGISTRATION CLOSED
* Wednesday, January 10 @ 12:00pm EST — [Register here. ](https://forms.gle/KxP8MQWoxPY4axXs6)
* Wednesday, January 31 @ 12:00pm EST — [Register here. ](https://forms.gle/KxP8MQWoxPY4axXs6)

Grab your pack and gather your camping essentials for Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) annual *Hike2O Challenge*. **The three-day, 2-night backpacking fundraiser will be held Friday, March 1st, 2024 – Sunday, March 3rd, 2024,** where Challengers will join trail experts from the Florida Trail Association – Loxahatchee Chapter and Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff naturalists as they are guided through some of the most iconic ecosystems of South Florida.

See what the experience is like and get inspired here: [https://youtu.be/hV3h39ugNjY](https://youtu.be/hV3h39ugNjY)

Registered participants will have exclusive access to the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp (EYCC) before boarding a complimentary shuttle to the trail heads and begin the challenge. Two groups of participants will hike approximately 30 miles from the ocean and lake trailheads of the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, connecting back at camp to symbolize the interconnectedness of Florida’s natural waterways, enjoy a celebratory cook-out, awards ceremony, and complete the *Hike2O Challenge*. Proceeds and funds raised from the Hike2o Challenge will support Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s marine conservation and education outreach to non-coastal schools across South Florida and promote environmental stewardship of Florida’s fresh and saltwater systems.

**The *Hike2O Challenge* is more than just a hike and a fundraiser.** The *Hike2O Challenge* is a transformative experience for participants to challenge themselves both physically and emotionally, and ultimately supports providing free, equitable environmental education to underserved students and their communities. Loggerhead Marinelife Center is committed to ensuring environmental education is accessible and inclusive for all, and funds raised from the *Hike2O Challenge* directly support program scholarships, support and wraparound services, career-readiness coaching and professional development for students, teachers and families living and working in underserved and underrepresented communities in the outdoors.

Each *Hike2o Challenge* registrant is REQUIRED to attend the *Virtual* Hike2o Challenge Mandatory Orientation Meeting on **Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.**

**Not able to attend or under 18?** Supporters of all ages can still make an impact by sponsoring a hiker of their choice [here](https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/83101/TopFundraisers).

Capacity is limited to 40 thru-hikers for the full *Hike2O Challenge*. **Previous hiking and camping experience is strongly suggested for thru-hikers.** Attendees are required to bring proper equipment as well. Registration starts at $195*.
*All proceeds will directly support environmental education to underserved communities across South Florida and promote environmental stewardship of Florida’s fresh and saltwater systems.

**Sponsorship Support Available for Challengers**
Our goal is to never exclude a hiker who can offer their passion for equity in the outdoors on the trail. That’s why we’ve teamed up with incredible sponsors that underwrite the registration costs of select thru-hikers who can help us fundraise by sharing their story and experience from the trail. **If you are a resident of Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade counties, are willing to share your experience as a member of a traditionally underrepresented group in the outdoors**, **and are interested in thru-hiking with us**, please contact the *Hike2o Challenge* team at education@marinelife.org.

See the *Hike2O Challenge* [website](https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/WestPalmBeach/Hike2O) to learn more and secure your spot.

Public/Strenuous

Event Organizer:
Hannah Campbell
FTA Activity Leader
Vice President of Education
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
561-627-8280 ext. 105

FTA Loxahatchee Chapter Guides (AKA the A-Team!)
Ryan Lusk
Wayne Vassello,
Mary Miller,
Rick Zinter,
Janet Miller
Phil MItchell
Brynn K.