The Tick

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: Kirkpatrick (Rodman) Dam Address: Rodman Dam Road, Palatka, FL 3217 Finish: Alexander Springs State Park Address: 49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL 32702 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. 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. 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.

Logistics & Requirements:

Crew Support / Unsupported Runner Option: For 2026, The Tick will trial an unsupported runner option. Runners may participate either with their own crew or unsupported. Unsupported Runners: This is not a fully supported race. Pop-up aid stations are planned at approximately 10-mile intervals along the course; however, runners choosing the unsupported option must be prepared to travel long distances without access to aid and should carry sufficient water, nutrition, required gear, and other supplies to safely reach the next aid location. Aid station locations and availability may be limited by course access. Unsupported runners should not assume that assistance will be available anywhere other than designated race locations. Transportation: The Tick is a point-to-point race. Every runner is responsible for arranging transportation to the start and from the finish. Transportation between the start and finish is not provided by the Race Director. Unsupported runners who drop from the race before reaching the finish are also responsible for arranging their own transportation from the course or nearest accessible location. Race staff will make every reasonable effort to assist a runner who drops at or reaches a pop-up aid station; however, transportation cannot be guaranteed. Depending on staffing and course logistics, a runner may be required to remain with race staff at that location until the aid station closes or until the conclusion of the race. 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).

Did Not Finish Notification:

Any runner who drops from the race must notify the Race Director or designated race staff. Do not leave the course without confirming that race staff know you have withdrawn. This requirement is necessary so race staff can account for every participant and do not initiate an unnecessary search for a runner who has already left the course. Failure to properly report a DNF will result in disqualification and may result in the runner being banned from future Combat Racing events. Runners choosing the unsupported option do so with the understanding that they are accepting greater responsibility for their own hydration, nutrition, transportation, and race-day logistics.

Did Not Start Policy:

Combat Racing’s free Fat Ass events have extremely limited capacity and typically maintain a waitlist. A runner who registers and fails to attend without notifying the race director prevents another runner from participating. UltraSignup allows runners to withdraw up to seven (7) days before the event without receiving a DNS. Runners who need to withdraw after that time should contact the race director as soon as possible. We understand that emergencies happen, and communication is appreciated. Runners who receive two (2) Did Not Start (DNS) results at Combat Racing free events may become ineligible to register for future free Combat Racing events. The race director may also consider a documented pattern of repeated DNSs at other free, limited-entry Florida events when determining eligibility. Exceptions may be made at the sole discretion of the race director for extraordinary circumstances.

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

Combat Racing:

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. The Race Director 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.