Withlacoochee Trail Marathon
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Trail Running in the Withlacoochee State Forest
The Withlacoochee Trail Marathon takes place in the Two Mile Prairie Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, located near Hernando and Lecanto, Florida. The event utilizes the hiking and equestrian trails within the Bear Head Hammock Recreational Area. Participants move through a variety of natural environments, including sandhills, oak forests, and wet prairies.
The course is set on natural surfaces, which include sand, roots, and varied terrain. Local wildlife is frequently spotted during the event. The following distances are available:
- Marathon: 26.2 miles, consisting of two 13.1-mile loops.
- Half Marathon: 13.1 miles, consisting of a single loop.
- 10K: 6.2 miles run on a modified loop course.
The event provides three fully stocked aid stations spaced approximately every five miles. These stations offer water, electrolyte drinks, soda, pickle juice, fruit, and snacks. All runners are required to carry their own hydration equipment, such as handheld bottles or hydration vests, due to the distance between stations.
Participants receive a cotton t-shirt and a finisher award upon completion. The top three male and female finishers in each category receive handcrafted awards. Primitive camping options, including tent, car, and RV boondocking, are available on-site for race participants. The courses remain open until a common cutoff time in the early afternoon for all distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
