The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs Half: shaded trails through Florida's spring-fed forest.
Race Date
Feb 19, 2027
Location
Chiefland, FL
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, February 19, 2027
- Location
- Chiefland, Florida
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 13.1 Miles, 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 152
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Kick off your weekend at Manatee Springs State Park, where the half marathon winds through smooth, runnable trails under a canopy of live oaks and pines. The course is pancake-flat and looped, passing crystal-clear springs that reflect the subtropical canopy overhead. With a median field of just 75 runners from 14 states, this is an intimate, low-pressure race—ideal for a first trail half or a quiet PR attempt.
Runners are treated to a Friday spaghetti dinner and Saturday morning breakfast burritos before heading to the start line. The finisher medal and Weekend Challenge item add a tangible reward, while the park’s natural beauty provides the real payoff. Though still young (first run in 2026), the Manatee Springs Half already offers a polished, family-friendly experience—pet-friendly, affordable, and genuinely serene.
Race-provided description
Kick off your weekend at Manatee Springs State Park with a Friday 5K and Saturday 10K and Half Marathon—two days of trail running set in one of North Florida’s most scenic parks. Smooth, runnable trails. Shaded forest. Crystal-clear springs. QUICK INFO Location: Manatee Springs State Park Dates: Friday 5K + Saturday 10K & Half Marathon Distances: 5K | 10K | Half Marathon Terrain: Smooth, runnable trails through shaded forest Swag: Finisher medal and race swag item Food: Spaghetti dinner Friday and breakfast burritos Saturday PACKET PICK-UP & START TIMES Friday Packet Pick-Up 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Manatee Springs State Park Saturday Packet Pick-Up 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM Manatee Springs State Park Start Times 5K (Friday): 5:30 PM Half Marathon (Saturday): 7:15 AM 10K (Saturday): 7:30 AM FEATURED EVENTS Manatee Springs Weekend Challenge (5K + Half Marathon) Make it a full weekend. Run Friday and Saturday, push your limits, and earn serious bragging rights. Double Down Challenge (5K + 10K) Two races. Two days. Double the fun. Includes a special Weekend Challenge finisher item. Save when you bundle. Limited availability. PARKING & PARK INFO Parking fees go directly to Manatee Springs State Park. Parking passes are single day use only and must be purchased online the morning of the race. You may also use or purchase an annual Florida State Park Pass. Please abide by the speed limit when entering the park. WHY RUN MANATEE SPRINGS Beautiful shaded forest trails Smooth, runnable terrain for all levels Start and finish near the springs Chance to see a manatee Family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere Two-day race weekend experience
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, February 19, 2027
Start Time
5:30 PM
Giveaway
T-Shirt and Challenge Item
Start Location
11650 N.W. 115 St., Chiefland, FL, 32626
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Park
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick432 years running
~73.5 finishers a year
growing or steady
4% returning runners
4 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 14 states
winner 1:24:39
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 152 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
152
Median time
2:24:24
Latest turnout
78
States
17
Turnout by year
2025–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park?
The The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park is held on Friday, February 19, 2027, starting at 5:30 PM.
Where does the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park take place?
It takes place in Chiefland, Florida.
What distances does the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 13.1 Miles, 5K.
Is the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park course flat and good for a PR?
The The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park?
HalfRuns has finish records for 152 runners who have completed the The Florida Run @ Manatee Springs State Park.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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