Join the Birkley Heynen Turtle Trot 5K, a run honoring the life and legacy of Birkley Heynen, a beloved friend, student, and advocate for people and the planet.

Heynen lived with boundless energy, deep compassion, and commitment to environmental sustainability. As an Ecology student at the University of Georgia, he was months away from earning his degree and certificate in Sustainability when his life was tragically cut short on March 4, 2024, 10 days before his 21st birthday.

The Turtle Trot continues Birkley's legacy by bringing together family, friends and the enviornmental sustainability community in Athens. Participants are asked to support the UGA Birkley Heynen Memorial Fund to support students who share Birkley's commitment to the enviornment. Whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, all are invited to celebrate Heynen’s spirit, passion, and enduring influence on the world he cared for so deeply.

Check here for the 5K route.