Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about our cause and how the turtle race works.
Make a contribution:
Adopt a Turtle Now!

Who does Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar benefit?

All proceeds from Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region.

How does it work?

Everyone who adopts a turtle, whether online, in the mail, at a Turtle Race booth or in a sponsoring business is entered into what we call E-Quack, a database that stores all of the information. Next to your name in E-Quack is the number of turtles you have adopted. The tag range is entered into E-Quack and all the numbers are shuffled up. Then, E-Quack automatically assigns the number of turtles you have adopted next to Tag Numbers. Thus, if you adopted 5 turtles, your name will be placed next to 5 different Tag Numbers.

How do my turtles get in the water?

Let’s Tag! A few days prior to The Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every turtle that will be in the Turtle Race - which is 2,000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7 digit number and ending with a 7 digit number.

For Example: 8580001-8590000

What is my tag number?

Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no turtle has an unfair advantage and the race is not fixed, so to ensure the integrity of the race, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all the turtles you have adopted will be in the water.

What if you have 1,000 Adopted Turtles but you have 2,000 Tagged Turtles on Turtle Race Day?

If all our turtles have not been adopted by race day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt up to an hour prior to the race. Their names will be placed at random into the mix, next to a number that does not already have a name by it. Anyone can adopt until an hour before the race begins, as long as the race is not sold out.

When and where is Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar and what does it cost?

Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar will take place on July 29, 2023 at The Mill. A total of 2,000 turtles will be launched at approximately 10:00 AM. The first three turtles through the finish line will win some amazing prizes.

How will I know if my turtle wins?

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region will contact you using the information you provided with your turtle adoption. You do not need to be present to win.

Are they real turtles or rubber turtles?

Rubber turtles, silly!

Who can adopt a turtle?

Anyone! However, you must be at least 18 years old to adopt a turtle.

Once I adopt a turtle, do I get to keep it?

No. After you adopt your turtle, Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar team will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for Turtle Race day. After the race, all of the turtles will swim off to their next race somewhere in the US.

Do I need to be present to win?

No, the winner does not need to be present to win. We do hope you will join us for the festivities though!

Can I adopt turtles s on race day?

If all our 2,000 turtles have not been adopted as of July 29, 2023 the remaining turtles will be available for adoption on race day until one hour prior to the start of the race at an adoption booth set up during the Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar.

How do I contact someone at Teeny Tiny Turtles on the Tar if I have questions that are not answered here?

Please contact us by emailing ddolberry@bgcnec.org or calling 252-977-9924.