2026 Coo-Wah-Chobee 50K

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