The 2026 Coo-Wah-Chobee 50K is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Carlton Preserve in Venice, Florida. Participants will navigate a single-loop course covering natural-surface trails, including singletrack and doubletrack paths within the protected wilderness. For late January in Venice, runners can typically expect mild winter conditions, with average highs in the low 70s°F (around 22°C) and lows in the mid-50s°F (around 13°C), though humidity can remain present. The event offers 50K, 25K, and 5K distances, featuring rugged terrain and a focus on off-road trail running.
What distances are available for this event?
→50K (31 miles): A single-loop trail run starting at 8:00 AM
→25K (15.5 miles): A shorter loop covering half of the 50K course starting at 8:00 AM
→5K (3.1 miles): A shorter trail loop starting at 8:00 AM
→Youth 5K: A reduced distance race for young runners starting at 8:00 AM
How much does registration cost?
→50K: $127.71 (includes taxes and fees)
→25K: $92.31 (includes taxes and fees)
→5K: $45.23 (includes taxes and fees)
→Youth 5K: $24.90 (includes taxes and fees)
What is included with registration?
→Signature RunFluent swag (specific item TBA, likely a technical shirt or hoodie)
→Unique handcrafted finisher awards by Wicked Skin
→Access to the trail network within Carlton Preserve
→Professional timing and course support
What type of trail surface and terrain should participants expect?
→The race takes place entirely on natural-surface trails within Carlton Preserve
→The course features a mix of singletrack and doubletrack paths
→The terrain is described as rugged and suitable for an authentic off-road trail experience
→The event qualifies as a true trail run, not a road race
Are there specific requirements for footwear?
→Trail shoes with good grip are strongly recommended due to the natural surface and rugged terrain
What is the course format?
→The 50K is a single-loop course; the 25K covers half of this loop
→There are no repetitive laps; the course is a continuous loop through the preserve
→All races share the same trail system with staggered or wave starts
What is the event schedule?
→All race distances start at 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026
→Registration closes on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
Are there any restrictions or policies regarding registration?
→Registration fees are non-refundable
→Deferrals to future RunFluent events are allowed if requested by December 31, 2025 (must be 4+ weeks before the race)
→No changes to registration are permitted after December 31, 2025
→Registration is limited; only 42 spots remain as of the event description
What awards are given to finishers?
→Participants receive unique, handcrafted finisher prizes provided by Wicked Skin
→Awards are described as artistic and distinct from standard race medals
What is the significance of the event name and location?
→The name "Coo-Wah-Chobee" is derived from a Seminole phrase meaning "river of the long water" or "big water"
→The event takes place in Carlton Preserve, a protected conservation area in Venice, Florida
→The preserve features native pine flatwoods and wetlands, offering a shaded, scenic environment
Is this a beginner-friendly event?
→The 5K distance is designed for beginners or families
→The 50K and 25K distances are classified as ultra trail runs and involve rugged terrain, which may be challenging for novice runners
→Youth runners have a specific category for the 5K distance
How does the event support local conservation?
→The event highlights access to a pristine, rarely raced trail network within a protected wilderness area
→It is hosted by RunFluent, emphasizing a community-focused approach and local stewardship of the Carlton Preserve
