Swamp Forest Trail Run
About This Event
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Race start: 8:00 AM
Join Gulf Winds Track Club for the 13th Annual Swamp Forest Trail Run on Saturday, January 9, 2027, at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. The annual event offers runners a chance to complete a one-loop Quarter Marathon (6.8 mi), two-loop Half Marathon (13.6 mi), or three-loop 20-Mile Challenge (20.4 mi).
Registration
Opens October 1.
Race Shirt
December 15 (Noon) is the last day to register to receive a race shirt.
Event Limit
This event is limited to 150 runners; sign up early to guarantee your spot!
About the Course
The course consists of beautiful rolling terrain on both single-track and multi-use trails. The Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park Trail is comprised of three main loops: Swamp Forest, Coon Bottom, and Oak Hammock, along with several connecting trails. The course connects these trails into a 6.8-mile loop.
- The Swamp Forest Loop runs next to a seepage basin swamp and a profusion of ferns, passes ephemeral ponds, and a Beech-Magnolia forest.
- The Coon Bottom Loop runs beside a clear sand-bottom seepage stream in many places, and passes through Beech-Magnolia and Spruce Pine forests. The trail crosses a black-water stream that drains a seepage basin swamp. Along the north side of the loop, the trail passes through an upland forest.
- The Oak Hammock Loop runs near the shore of Lake Jackson. Deer can often be seen along the edges of open fields. The adjacent fields contain many fenced gopher tortoise holes.
- The Creek Forest Trail runs around the head of a seepage stream, curves around an ephemeral pond, then encounters a series of meander loops of the main stream. There are large patches of Giant Cane and Arundinaria gigantea along the trail.
- The Big Tree Cutoff passes a swamp that contains Pinckneya, Needle Palms and a stand of huge Tulip-Poplars.
Strava Course Map
Garmin Course Map
Course cut-off
The cut-off time for this event is 1:00 PM. This will give runners five (5) hours to complete the 20-Mile Challenge. If you do not finish your second loop totaling 13.6 miles within 3.5 hours, you may not continue and will be awarded the half marathon finish time.
Packet Pick
Saturday morning at the race from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM. We encourage everyone to make any attempt possible to pick up your packet early so we can start the race on time.
Race History
Read about the 2020 run and view past years results:
- 2026 Results
- 2025 Results
- 2024 Results
- 2023 Results
- 2022 Results
- 2020 Results
- 2019 Results
- 2018 Results
- 2017 Results
- 2016 Results
- 2015 Results
- 2014 Results
Ready to run?
Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
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Local Running Stores
Tallahassee, North Florida
Cadence Running is Tallahassee's locally owned specialty running store, operating out of the Esposito's Shopping Center on Capital Circle NE. Connected to Trail & Ski — a Tallahassee outdoor institution since 1975 — Cadence brings deep expertise in both road and trail running to the capital city's active community. Staff at Cadence Running are known for thorough, thoughtful fittings that consider foot mechanics, injury history, and terrain. The store carries footwear for road and trail runners alike, plus a full range of run apparel, hydration packs, nutrition products, and recovery gear. The store also offers orthotics services, making it a resource for runners dealing with chronic foot concerns. Cadence Running hosts weekly group runs on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm — open to all paces — and is a central hub for the Tallahassee running community beyond just retail.
phone (850) 999-4786 language Visit WebsiteTallahassee, North Florida
Fleet Feet Tallahassee is part of the nationwide Fleet Feet network, bringing the brand's signature outfitting process to Florida's capital city. Using a 3D foot scanning technology called fit id®, staff measure arch height, foot length, width, and volume to recommend shoes matched to your specific anatomy. Located in the Midtown area on Thomasville Road, the store is convenient to Florida State University, FAMU, and the surrounding neighborhoods where Tallahassee's running community gathers. The product selection covers road, trail, and track footwear, plus technical apparel and accessories. Fleet Feet Tallahassee supports local races including the Tallahassee Marathon and Turkey Trot, and hosts weekly group training runs open to runners of all paces.
phone (850) 765-2284 language Visit WebsiteTallahassee, North Florida
The Shoe Box on South Monroe Street has served the Tallahassee community as a locally owned specialty footwear retailer for decades. The store focuses on performance running and walking shoes, carrying a curated selection from trusted brands including New Balance, Brooks, and ASICS. Staff take a hands-on approach to fitting, taking time to understand each customer's foot concerns, activity level, and shoe history before making recommendations. This personalized service has made The Shoe Box a trusted stop for Tallahassee runners who prefer a neighborhood feel over a big-box experience. The store is located along the South Monroe corridor, making it accessible from both downtown Tallahassee and the surrounding suburbs.
phone (850) 878-7463Swamp Forest Trail Run
January 9, 2027