General
The Painted Horse Urban Ultra has returned! This time there are more and new horses, a new route, and it is a loop rather than point-to-point!
This is a low-key, self-supported urban adventure run. It is not a race. If you are aiming to set a course record or PR, this is not the event for you. However, if you like signing up for dumb events, running around strange places with a list of turn-by-turn directions, and taking pictures of painted horses, this is your jam!
This ultra is navigation heavy. It is not a race; it is an adventure, sightseeing trip, and scavenger hunt. There is no time limit, take all the time you need. There may be some water drops and special treats along the way, but don’t plan on this event being supported.
There are about 40ish painted horses that you'll see over the 55k(ish) miles. Most are gorgeous works of art, some are lovely tributes painted by students and teachers, and one is a hilarious salute to capitalism.
If you're not quite up to 55k yet, there is a 25k option that has you seeing at least 25(ish?) horses on a different, but sometimes intersection route with the 55k runners.
The routes are still being updated, but the race book will be uploaded here and sent via email once it is available!
What are the painted horses?
In 2000, Ocala asked artists to paint horses for what they called Horse Fever. For the 20th Anniversary of the project more horses were added! These horses are placed all over Marion County in public and private locations. The largest concentration is in the Downtown Ocala area. This route does not see all of the horses, but there is a map that shows most of them that are outside of the route if you’d like to see more.
The Painter's Revenge Challenge
If you are a true glutton for punishment, boy do I have a challenge for you! This challenge entails signing up for three races including: Skunk Ape's Revenge, Painted Horse Urban Ultra, and Swan's Song Urban Run.
Challenge Levels
Full Challenge: Complete Skunk Ape's Revenge 60k, Painted Horse Urban Ultra 55k, and Swan's Song Urban Run 30k. If you complete this challenge you will get a bright and shiny belt buckle to commemorate your achievement (photo coming soon).
Partial Challenge: Complete Skunk Ape's Revenge 30k, Painted Horse Urban Ultra 25k, and Swan's Song Urban Run 30k. Completing this challenge will get you a special medal commemorating doing all three events.
There is an extra charge if you wish to attempt either challenge. This covers the cost of the buckles and additional medal. You must sign up for this challenge on the Swan's Song Ultra Run page!
Where's the Finish? Podcast
This event is put on by the crew from the Where's the Finish? Podcast. Visit our website and learn more here: Where's the Finish?
Event's current local time: 4:04 AM ET
