Croom Fools Run 50M

Event overview

The Croom Fools Run takes place Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Withlacoochee State Forest near Brooksville, Florida. This is the 30th annual running of the event. The race offers the following distances:

• 50 miles
• 50K
• 16 miles

Field size is limited to 250 runners in total, with a separate limit of 125 for the 16-mile race. Registration closes on Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 PM ET.

Course and race format

The main running trail is a 16-mile loop on the Croom Hiking Trail. The 16-mile race completes one loop, the 50K completes two loops, and the 50-mile race completes three loops. The loop passes through long leaf pine and scrub oak areas, creek bottoms, and cypress ponds.

There are three aid stations on each loop. As a result, 16-mile runners visit three aid stations, 50K runners visit eight aid stations, and 50-mile runners visit twelve aid stations. Aid stations will offer water, sports drink, gels, and some food. Because this is a trail event, aid stations are not located every mile. 50-mile and 50K runners can access the main staging area and drop bags during loop repeats. Aid station locations are shown on the course map.

Logistics and awards

Packet pickup is available Friday evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Tucker Hill start/finish location; pickup is also available the morning of the race. All pre-registered entrants receive a full-color short-sleeved technical shirt. Finisher awards are given to every participant, and overall and masters awards are given for male and female finishers in each distance. A post-race picnic includes burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, fruit, and cookies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.