Skunk Ape Night Run

Skunk Ape Night Run

The event is a night trail race held in the Green Swamp West Tract near 13347 Ranch Road, Dade City, FL. The advertised distance is 30K. The course uses a variety of Florida terrain including pasture lanes, mud, dirt roads, single track on the Florida Trail, sandy hills, fire berms, grassy horse trails and occasional creek crossings.

Aid stations are positioned approximately every 3 to 5 miles and are stocked with drinks, snacks, pickles, gummy treats, chips, cookies, produce, powdered electrolytes and basic first aid items. Women’s hygiene products will be available at aid stations in a plastic box. One drop bag zone is located at the Berm Aid Station; drop bags must be labeled, kept to roughly drawstring bag size, and will be returned to the start/finish after that aid station packs up.

Course marking includes reflective tape with pink flagging and turn signs that provide self-correcting information. The route follows Cumpressco Road, Rangers Landing Road, the Florida Trail and Cedar Pocket Road with several named sections such as The Ridge and The Berm Loop.

Finisher items exclude age group awards and t-shirts; finishers may choose from a pint glass, whiskey glass, juice glass, mug or cup, and event stickers are provided. Overall awards are given to the top four men and top four women. Camping is free in the Green Swamp with picnic tables and fire rings but a free reservation through the Southwest Florida Water Management District is required and must be displayed. The event notes local wildlife and regional folklore about the Skunk Ape as part of the site’s character. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.