Click here to view a detailed aerial view of the half marathon course

There is no elevation chart, because the course is basically flat with the exception of some pretty steep cuts up and down the berms and a couple of "speed bumps."

Click here for the 5K course

The Trail: While a straight line might be the shortest distance between two points, runners won’t have that option on this run. There are few straight lines. And this is not a course for PR’s. The course is split by North River Road, with the 5 miles of wider (8') south side trails contrasting with the roughly 8 miles of mostly narrow (<2') mountain bike trails on the north side.

The River, Roots and Ruts Trail Run is suited for all levels of runners, from experienced trail runners to first timers. The nature and challenges of the trail run with its dirt surface and slower pace makes it a nice change from the rigors of road work and road races.

The 13.1-mile course will take runners through the shadows of moss-laden river oak hammocks, along the banks of the Caloosahatchee, under canopies of sabal palms and past acres of saw palmettos. Enjoy the views on the south side because after crossing North River Road (CR 78), the trail narrows to a single path, the meanders become hairpins with plenty of roots and ruts begging for attention, with a few overhanging head knockers that can get your attention. (This writer will attest to the ankle grabbing ability of the roots if you let your attention stray!)

The trails are not technically difficult, there are some steep cuts up and down the berms that do require your attention. Roots and ruts are numerous. The trail is mostly packed dirt or shell, some soft sand and a few rocky spots.

Weather: January is the heart of the dry season, so you should expect good trail conditions and relatively cool weather. Average low is 54, average high is 74. But if we get another El-Nino event or a rogue front brings any amount of rain prior to race day, the trails can get pretty muddy and traction treacherous. (We did run in record lows in 2006, low 30's at the start! In 2007 we were in the 80's. So much for averages.)

Wildlife: Wildlife encounters are not likely, but possible. Deer, feral pigs, raccoons, bobcats, rabbits, and gopher tortoises are common, but more likely to seen on a solitary run, rather than on a busy race day. You will most likely hear robins, cardinals, yellow-rumped warblers and mockingbirds while working your way through the trails. Overhead, black and turkey vultures circle, possibly joined by red tailed hawks or even a bald eagle. Best not to be looking up though or you might be getting an up close view of some dirt.

Scuttering sounds you’ll hear in the brush are mostly made by anoles, small lizards found throughout Florida. You will run past a couple of Gopher Tortoise burrows on the north side berm. These are threatened reptiles whose homes are shared by 300 other creatures, hopefully not all at the same time. The most dangerous thing to watch out for are the piles of sand along the side of the trails. These are fire ants mounds and if you happen to step in one you will know that they are aptly named.