Race Details:

Distance: 50 miles + 7.41 bonus miles (yes, they’re mandatory!)
Course: Point-to-point | Singletrack on the Florida National Scenic Trail
Start: Alexander Springs State Park
Finish: Rodman Reservoir Dam
Race Start Time: 6:30 am
Suggested Donation: $25 per participant

Bib Pickup: You may pick up your bib anytime between 5:30 am - 6:20 am at the start line at Alexander Springs State Park.

About the Race:
The Tick is not your average ultra. This rugged 57.41-mile wilderness adventure winds through the heart of the Ocala National Forest, following the Florida National Scenic Trail from Alexander Springs to the far end of the Rodman Reservoir Dam (Start/Finish Alternates Annually). The course showcases Florida’s raw and wild beauty—runners will pass through diverse ecosystems including lakes, prairies, marshes, and tall-growth pine and hardwood forests. Expect a true backcountry experience...Oh, and about those 7.41 bonus miles? They’re built right in. Consider them a gift.

Crew Support is MANDATORY. This is not a self-supported event. Due to limited access to natural water sources along the course, all runners must have a dedicated crew. The longest distance between crew-accessible locations is approximately 10.5 miles. Plan carefully and communicate clearly with your team. Runners without a crew will not be allowed to participate.

Logistics & Requirements:
Point-to-Point Format: Runners are responsible for arranging their own transportation from the finish back to their vehicle.
Communication Device Required: For safety, all runners and/or their crews must carry a reliable means of communication (e.g., cell phone or GPS messenger).

Wildlife & Trail Conditions:
The Ocala National Forest is teeming with wildlife. Along the trail, you may spot deer, bobcats, black bears, hawks, eagles, and scrub jays. Other locals: Rabbits, snakes, turtles, squirrels, mice—and yes, ticks! This is Florida wilderness. Be prepared for humid and hot conditions, wetlands, uneven trail surfaces, dense vegetation, and, of course, ticks!

What to Expect:
A remote, challenging, and rewarding trail experience.
No frills. Just you, the trail, and your crew.
An opportunity to test your endurance in one of Florida’s most iconic wild spaces.

The Tick isn’t just a race—it’s a rite of passage for ultra runners who crave something raw, real, and wild.
Think you're ready?

Combat Racing:

Combat Racing has taken reigns of The Tick. Combat Racing is a Veteran Owned and Operated Small Business dedicated to bringing high-quality, challenging, and unforgettable trail and ultra marathon events to the endurance running community. Founded and operated by Joe Miller, a proud U.S. military veteran with a deep passion for the trails and a relentless commitment to excellence, Combat Racing is quickly become a staple name in the Florida trail running scene.

Combat Racing isn’t just about races—it’s about community. Joe Miller has built Combat Racing with the same values that drive trail runners: resilience, camaraderie, and respect for the land. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner looking to test your limits or a trail newcomer ready for your first big adventure, you’ll find a home at Combat Racing.

Support The Florida Trail:

This is an Old School FAT ASS ULTRA; there is no registration fee. Due to the nature of the race and the unique wilderness environment of the course, participation will be capped at 50.

The Florida Trail (FT) is a 1,500-mile trail that extends from the Big Cypress National Preserve at the edge of the Everglades in south Florida to Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island in the Florida panhandle. The trail is used by thru-hikers, day hikers, trail runners, and for events like the one you're signing up for now!

The FT provides opportunities for recreation in some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Florida, and it's made possible by the work of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) and thousands of volunteer hours. FTA relies on donations from trail users like you to sustain its volunteer work. As a participant in this event that uses the Florida Trail, we encourage you to make a donation to support these efforts and ensure the trail is protected and maintained for years to come (minimum suggested donation per participant of $25). To learn more about the Florida Trail, visit www.floridatrail.org

Event's current local time: 7:06 AM ET