HalfRuns
Withlacoochee Forest Trail Marathon

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

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell SupportedGreat Swag

Course

ShadedExposed

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

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

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size9/15

~69 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty2/20

2% returning runners

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw4/10

runners from 5 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:31:37

Weather0/10

typical high 83°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:30p50 median ≈ 2:354:20

Turnout by year

2025–2026

'25'26
See full results

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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