Swamp Forest Trail Run

Saturday, January 6, 2024 • Tallahassee, FL

Gear up for a memorable trail-running experience on Saturday, January 6, 2024, as Gulf Winds Track Club proudly presents the 10th Anniversary Swamp Forest Trail Run at the scenic Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. This annual event, known for its challenging yet breathtaking courses, celebrates its milestone year, inviting participants to conquer the trails in the one-loop Quarter Marathon, two-loop Half Marathon, or the ultimate three-loop 20-Mile Challenge.

Race Details:

Registration opens on Sunday, October 1, with a limit of 150 runners, urging eager participants to secure their spot for this iconic event. To commemorate the anniversary, the last day to register and guarantee a race shirt is December 10.

The Enchanting Course:

The course unfolds over beautiful rolling terrain, combining single-track and multi-use trails within Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. Runners will traverse three main loops—Swamp Forest, Coon Bottom, and Oak Hammock—connected by picturesque trails, forming a captivating 6.8-mile loop. Each loop showcases distinctive landscapes, from seepage basin swamps to clear sand-bottom seepage streams, providing a challenging yet visually stunning experience.

Special Course Highlights:

Notable loops include the Swamp Forest Loop, where runners pass ephemeral ponds and a Beech-Magnolia forest, and the Oak Hammock Loop, offering glimpses of deer along Lake Jackson’s shore. The Creek Forest Trail winds around seepage streams and Giant Cane patches, while the Big Tree Cutoff passes a swamp containing Pinckneya, Needle Palms, and majestic Tulip-Poplars.

Race Day Logistics:

The 20-Mile Challenge includes a 1:00 PM cut-off time, ensuring a five-hour window for completion. Participants can pick up their race essentials on Friday, January 5, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Cadence Running/Trail & Ski or on race morning from 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM. Early packet pick-up is encouraged to facilitate a prompt race start.

Join us for a day of trail-running excellence, picturesque landscapes, and the spirit of community at the 10th Anniversary Swamp Forest Trail Run. Lace up your running shoes and be part of this milestone celebration in Tallahassee’s natural haven.

Race Weather & Climate

Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, located in Leon County in the northern part of the state. It offers residents a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty with access to state parks, a vibrant downtown, and Florida State University. Tallahassee serves as the political and educational hub of Florida.

In Tallahassee, Florida, in early January, the average high temperature is about 63°F, and the low is around 40°F. This period reflects a cooler winter season in Tallahassee.