April 2026 Florida Trail and Ultra Highlights

April 2026 brought an exciting surge of activity to Florida’s trail and ultra running scene. This month saw new course records shattered, and emerging athletes making their mark. The Sunshine State’s unique terrain and vibrant running community combined to create memorable events that attracted both seasoned ultrarunners and newcomers eager to test their limits. This overview captures the key moments, standout performances, and notable developments from Florida’s trail and ultra races in April 2026.

Luke Vidal tackles the course at Croom Fool's Run

Croom Fools Run Celebrates it's 30th year

For the 30th running in 31 years (no race in 2020), the Croom Fools 50M/50K/16M hosted runners in the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville. The race is a favorite among Florida trail runners and often an introduction to the ultra distance.

Race director Andy Mathews joined the team at Pacer Travel to discuss the race and it's history in detail. Check out the link below.

Pacer Travel Live Chat

New Course Records Set on Classic Trails

Several well-established Florida trail races saw their course records fall this April. Fierce competition between veterans and newcomers pushed athletes to new heights.

• Funest 50K @ Carter Road

  
  

The Funest 50K hosted by Ultra Ultras in Mulberry offers one of the most technical courses in Florida. The race takes place on 10-kilometer loop mountain bike trail at the Loyce E. Harpe park. The race offers long cutoffs in the 10K, 30K and 50K distances making it friendly to beginners and veterans alike. Despite early season temps above 90 degrees, runners were able to show speed on the trail.

This year the course record in the women's 50K fell by almost one hour. Rebecca Watters of Decatur, Ga, ran a 5:35:04 besting the previous record of 6:33:41 set by Ashley Gabbert in 2024. Second-place female, Elise Helmbrecht also ran below the previous course record with a time of 6:31:04.

The men's 50K saw a battle between veteran and eventual winner, Scott Luggery and newcomers from the Sullivan family. Twenty-one-year-old Haddon Sullivan closed a 14 minute gap at the 40K mark to take second place only 43 seconds behind Luggery. Dad Brian Sullivan took third and Haddon's twin brother, Caleb took fourth.

In the 30K, Jonathan Kier ran a course record 2:27:22. He broke the previous record held by Steven Anderson (2:29:10) set in 2024. Kier also holds the 50K men's course record at Funest with a time of 4:43:14.

30K winner and new course record holder, Jonathan Kier sprints to the finish line

The Funest 50K was livestreamed by Pacer Travel. To relive the action and see parts of the course check out their video on YouTube.

Mike Alberts shared his experience at the 2023 Funest 50K, including video of the entire course on his YouTube channel, Feet First Athletics. Click here for the video.

• Skunk Ape 100

  
  

The Skunk Ape 100 is fast becoming one of the Florida's favorite 100 mile races. Race Director Joseph Fuller, who also hosts the Florida Trail Runners Podcast, has created an event that combines the difficulty of a Florida trail ultra with the fun and friendly atmosphere that trail runners flock to.

This year's race brought a very competitive field of athletes. The men's course record fell and was pushed to the top 4 of all time as all three podium men went under the record set by Shea Frederick in 2025. Eric Kalina took the win in 20:21:32, Aryan Rochon came in second at 20:47:48, and Ricky Padgett took third in his first 100 mile race in 21:06:56.

In the women's 100 mile race, Rebecca Connor, in her first 100 miler, took the win and second fastest time overall. She won the 50 mile edition last year, setting the female course record.

Grant Bonatz won the 50 mile race in record setting time of 8:57:19. He finished about 45 minutes faster than second place finisher, and first female, Melissa Gray.

Runners take off at the Skunk Ape 100 in it's 3rd year.

For a full list of trail and ultra races held in Florida this April, along with the podium results, go to the race results page.

Tips for Runners Planning to Race in Florida

For those interested in joining Florida’s trail and ultra races, here are some practical tips based on April’s events:

• Prepare for variable terrain: Florida trails can range from sandy paths to swampy sections. Training on mixed surfaces helps build adaptability.

• Hydration is key: The subtropical climate means humidity can be high. Carry adequate fluids and electrolytes.

• Use trail shoes with good drainage: Wet conditions are common, so shoes that dry quickly and provide traction are beneficial. Many of Florida's trail races are road shoe friendly.

• Respect the environment: Follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve trails for future runners.

• Plan for early starts: Many races begin at early so take advantage of the time you have before the sun is highest.

  
  

These strategies can improve race day experience and performance.

Looking Ahead to Summer and Beyond

The momentum from April’s races sets the stage for an exciting summer and fall season in Florida’s trail running calendar. The rise of new talent and the breaking of records suggest the state will continue to be a hotspot for ultra running.

Runners new to the sport or region can expect welcoming communities, well-supported races, and diverse courses that challenge and inspire.