2026 Two Prairies Ultra

The 2026 Two Prairies Ultra will take place on March 14, 2026, in Fort McCoy, United States, with the event venue located in Salt Springs, Florida, within the Ocala National Forest. The race will start at the Pat's Island Trailhead, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore the Florida Trail in a FAT ASS ULTRA format. On this date, the expected weather in Fort McCoy will be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F and partly cloudy conditions, making for ideal trail running conditions. The event features a challenging yet scenic course that combines two distinct segments of the Florida Trail, providing runners with an immersive experience in the wilderness of Juniper and Hopkins Prairies. The course includes singletrack trails, dirt roads, and natural forest terrain, with opportunities to encounter local wildlife and historical landmarks along the way.

What is the event format?

The 2026 Two Prairies Ultra follows the FAT ASS ULTRA format, which is a self-supported trail running event. Participants are responsible for carrying their own gear, food, and water throughout the race, as there are no aid stations along the course.

What distances are available for this event?

• →50K: Full course combining both the South and North legs (approximately 32.1 miles)
• →30K: South section only (Juniper Springs out-and-back, 17.6 miles roundtrip)

What is the course like?

The course is a point-to-point out-and-back trail race on the Florida Trail, featuring two distinct segments:

• →South Leg: Run 8.8 miles south to Juniper Springs Recreation Area, then return (17.6 miles roundtrip)
• →North Leg: Run 7.25 miles north and return (14.5 miles roundtrip)

The 50K distance combines both legs, while the 30K route covers only the South Leg.

What terrain and scenery can participants expect?

The course features singletrack trails through the Juniper Wilderness area, traversing scenic Juniper and Hopkins Prairies. Runners will experience some of the oldest and most pristine sections of the Florida Trail, surrounded by a wilderness environment with abundant wildlife, rare plants, and historical significance. The trail surface consists of natural forest terrain, with dirt road access to the trailhead.

What is the registration policy for this event?

The 2026 Two Prairies Ultra is a no-fee event, following the FAT ASS ULTRA style, which emphasizes self-sufficiency and minimal organizational support.

What is the participant limit for this event?

The event has a participant cap of 50 runners, ensuring a small and manageable race size for a wilderness setting.

What is the event's focus in terms of support?

This is a self-supported event, meaning participants are responsible for their own supplies, navigation, and safety. There are no aid stations or support vehicles along the course.

What is the significance of the Florida Trail?

The Florida Trail is a 1,500-mile National Scenic Trail that stretches from Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida to Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island in the Florida Panhandle. It serves as a popular route for thru-hikers, day hikers, trail runners, and community events like the 2026 Two Prairies Ultra.