The Tick

The Tick is a rugged, backcountry ultra-marathon scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, within the Ocala National Forest, Florida. Now managed by the veteran-owned Combat Racing, the event follows an "Old School Fat Ass" format, meaning there is no formal registration fee, though a minimum donation of $25 to the Florida Trail Association is highly encouraged. The course is a demanding 57.41-mile point-to-point journey along the Florida National Scenic Trail, starting at Alexander Springs State Park and finishing at the Rodman Reservoir Dam.

The geography of the Ocala National Forest offers a raw look at Florida’s wild interior, featuring a mosaic of tall-growth pine forests, hardwood hammocks, prairies, and marshes. Because the Florida Trail is a wilderness corridor, the terrain is often uneven with dense vegetation and sandy stretches that can sap a runner's energy. By early May, Central Florida typically faces high humidity and temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) or more. These conditions, combined with the presence of local wildlife such as black bears and the race’s namesake ticks, make this a high-stakes adventure that requires significant preparation.

Logistically, the race is not self-supported; runners without a dedicated crew are prohibited from starting due to the scarcity of natural water and the 10.5-mile gaps between accessible points. Bib pickup occurs at the Alexander Springs start line from 5:30 AM to 6:20 AM. Participants are responsible for their own return transportation from the finish line. Registration closes on May 3, 2026. Top performance records for this course include Eduardo Souza, who clocked a 9:27:00 in 2021, setting a high bar for those tackling this "no frills" wilderness rite of passage.