

Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon
Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon offers a rugged Florida trail experience through sandhills and oak forests.
Race Date
Apr 18, 2027
Location
Hernando, FL
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, April 18, 2027
- Location
- Hernando, Florida
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 138
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon series invites runners into the heart of Florida's natural beauty. Taking place on the hiking and equestrian trails of the Two Mile Prairie Tract within the Withlacoochee State Forest, this event promises a genuine trail running adventure. Runners navigate through scenic sandhills, oak forests, and wet prairies, with ample opportunities to observe local wildlife.
This is a true Florida trail experience, described as beautiful, rugged, and memorable. The course is 100% unpaved trails, featuring sand, roots, and varied, uneven terrain. Expect encounters with nature, including potential critters, but also rely on well-stocked aid stations and friendly volunteers. The half marathon is a single 13.1-mile loop, designed for a challenging yet rewarding run.
Race-provided description
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 availablePlan to be fully self-sufficientThe entire campground is reserved for race participants. Camping Options: Tent campingCar campingRV “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
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, April 18, 2027
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Two Mile Prairie Tract - Bear Head Hammock Recreational Area, Hernando, FL, 34442
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Rural
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
2 years running
~69 finishers a year
growing or steady
2% returning runners
3 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 5 states
winner 1:31:37
typical high 83°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 138 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
138
Median time
2:28:51
Latest turnout
82
States
6
Turnout by year
2025–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon?
The Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon is held on Sunday, April 18, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon take place?
It takes place in Hernando, Florida.
What distances does the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 138 runners who have completed the Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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