Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon

COURSE INFORMATION:

Experience trail running at its finest in the heart of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The Withlacoochee Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K takes place on the hiking and equestrian trails within the Two Mile Prairie Tract, just outside Lecanto, FL.

Runners will travel through scenic sandhills, oak forests, and wet prairies, with frequent opportunities to spot local wildlife along the course. This is a true Florida trail running experience—beautiful, rugged, and memorable. Please note: this is not a certified course, and it is 100% on unpaved trails. There will be sand, critters (ticks, biting flies, spiders, or snakes), and uneven terrain - but there will also be great aid stations, friendly volunteers, and the beauty of the forest!

 
Race Distances & Course Details:

Marathon: 2 × 13.1-mile loops
Half Marathon: 1 × 13.1-mile loop
10K: Modified loop course
All races are run on natural trail surfaces. Expect sand, roots, and varied terrain.

 
Bib Pickup & Registration:

Bib Pickup: Sunday, April 18, 2027
Registration opens 1 hour before your race start time.

 
Start Times:

Marathon: 7:00 AM
Half Marathon: 8:00 AM
10K: 8:30 AM
Course cutoff: All courses remain open until 2:30 PM for all distances.

 
Aid Stations:

There will be three fully stocked aid stations, approximately every 5 miles, offering: Water, Electrolyte sports drink, Soda, Pickle Juice, Chips, Fruit & PB&Js. Important: Due to the distance between aid stations, all participants must carry hydration, such as a handheld bottle, waist pack, or hydration vest or pack.
 
Post‑Race Celebration & Awards:

All finishers receive a finisher's award for their distance.
The top 3 male and female finishers in each distance receive a specially handcrafted award.
After the race, grab a hot dog or burger, set up a camp chair, and relax while cheering on fellow runners as they finish.

 
Camping Information:

Bear Head Hammock Recreational Area offers primitive camping in the equestrian campground. 

Please note:

• No water or power hookups available
• Plan to be fully self-sufficient
• The entire campground is reserved for race participants.

Camping Options:

• Tent camping
• Car camping
• RV “boondock” camping (generators permitted) 

Campground access: Saturday, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

 

Local Motels/Hotels:

The Gator Den Motel, 12189 S Williams St, Dunnellon, FL 34432 - 8 miles

Quality Inn Conference Center at Citrus Hills, 350 E Norvell Bryant Hwy, Hernando, FL 34442 - 9 miles

WoodSpring Suites Inverness, 123 S Seminole Ave, Inverness, FL 34452 - 12 miles

Central Motel, 721 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450 - 14 miles

Econo Lodge, 2575 N NW US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428  - 17 miles