The Ultimate Outdoor Running Guide to Ocala, Florida
Discover Ocala's diverse landscape of well-maintained park loops to immersive nature trails, making Marion County an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all fitness levels.
The Horse Capital of the World isn't just famous for thoroughbreds—it's become a premier destination for runners seeking variety, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities. From urban parks perfect for lunch breaks to wilderness trails that challenge experienced athletes, Ocala's running infrastructure continues expanding to meet growing demand from residents and visitors alike.
Essential Tips for Running in Ocala
- Schedule runs before 8 AM or after 6 PM during summer months
- Always carry water, especially on runs exceeding 5 miles
- Check radar before heading out - afternoon storms develop quickly
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 30 minutes before running
- Never approach or feed wildlife
- Make noise on blind corners to avoid surprising animals
- Carry bear spray when running remote trails during dawn/dusk
- Report aggressive wildlife behavior to park authorities
- Inform someone of your planned route and return time
- Carry phone with GPS and consider downloading offline maps
- Run with partners on unfamiliar or isolated trails
- Carry identification and emergency contact information
Ocala's Premier Running Destinations
From well-lit urban parks to wilderness trails through Florida's natural beauty, discover the diverse running opportunities that make Ocala special.
This 63-acre active community park features well-lit trails perfect for after-work runs, with a winding trail system broken down into three loops offering exercise stations with detailed instructions for all fitness levels.
This 15.6-mile segment showcases the flora and fauna of the state, rolling and curving through intersections with mountain-biking single-track, equestrian trails, and the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The iconic I-75 Land Bridge allows safe passage for wildlife, cyclists, hikers and equestrians while crossing the interstate. This engineering marvel represents a significant achievement in wildlife conservation.
This unique 60-acre wetland park features educational kiosks, 2.5 miles of paved walking trails, scenic boardwalks, and wildlife overlooks, serving the dual purpose of water treatment and recreation.
One of America's largest springs is protected within Silver Springs State Park, where visitors can explore the area's natural beauty by foot through serene gardens and historic structures.
Situated just northeast of Historic Downtown Ocala, this beautiful park features a glass calm lake full of ducks with sidewalks looping around the water.
Quick Trail Comparison Reference
| Trail/Location | Surface | Distance | Difficulty | Lighting | Restrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jervey Gantt Park | Clay and asphalt paths | 2 miles | Easy | Yes | Yes |
| Santos Paved Trail (Cross Florida Greenway) | Wide, smooth asphalt | 15 miles one-way (30 miles round-trip) | Easy-Moderate | No | Yes |
| Land Bridge Trailhead (Cross Florida Greenway) | Asphalt and natural paths | 6-10 miles of paved trail with natural surface options | Easy-Moderate | No | Yes |
| Ocala Wetland Recharge Park | Asphalt and elevated boardwalks | 2.5 miles of paved paths and boardwalks | Easy | No | Yes |
| Silver Springs State Park Trails | Mixed natural surfaces | 0.8 to 5.2 miles (multiple trail options) | Easy-Moderate | No | Yes |
| Tuscawilla Park | Asphalt paths | Approximately 1 mile of loops around lake | Easy | No | Yes |
Choose Your Perfect Trail by Experience Level
0-3 miles preferred
Tuscawilla Park
Perfect for urban beginners with 1-mile lakeside loops
Jervey Gantt Park
Well-lit 2-mile system with exercise stations
Wetland Recharge Park
Educational 2.5-mile experience with wildlife
Silver Springs Creek Trail
Short 0.8-mile loop in beautiful historic setting
3-8 miles preferred
Baseline Greenway
Peaceful 5-mile forest experience
Land Bridge Trailhead
6-10 miles with connection options and iconic bridge
Silver Springs Multiple Trails
Combine various loops for 3-5 mile custom routes
Santos Paved Trail (Partial)
Use first 6-8 miles for moderate distance training
8+ miles
Santos Paved Trail
Full 15+ mile options for serious endurance training
Cross Florida Greenway
Unlimited distance possibilities with trail connections
Combined Routes
Link multiple parks for ultra-distance training
Marshall Swamp to Baseline
Challenging natural-to-paved combinations
Seasonal Running Guide
Florida's climate offers year-round running opportunities, but each season brings unique conditions and experiences.
December-February
Ideal running season with low humidity and comfortable temperatures
- Peak racing season
- Perfect for training cycles
- Occasional cold fronts require layers
March-May
Excellent conditions with moderate temperatures and lower humidity
- Peak racing season
- Wildflowers bloom along trails
- Horse show season
June-August
Challenging but manageable with proper planning
- Early morning runs before 8 AM
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Great for spring activities
September-November
Gradually improving conditions as humidity decreases
- Building base miles
- Preparing for winter racing
- Comfortable evening runs
Upcoming Runs in Ocala
Join the local running community at these upcoming races and events in Marion County.
Florida's premier mountain bike festival returns to Ocala for four days of world-class riding, community celebration, and trail culture at the Santos Trail System. Hosted by the **Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA)**, the Santos Fat Tire Festival draws thousands of riders and spectators from across the country to one of the most celebrated mountain bike trail networks in the southeastern United States. The 2026 festival runs **March 5-8** at Santos Trails, 3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480. ## The EPIC 50 Ride The centerpiece of the festival is the **EPIC 50 Ride**, a self-paced 50-plus mile journey through the Santos trail network. This is not a race — riders start anytime on Saturday morning and have until 5:00 PM to complete the course. The route winds through more than 80 miles of IMBA-certified award-winning singletrack maintained by OMBA volunteers. Supported sag stops are positioned at Coyote Corner, the Landbridge, Nayls North, and Ross Prairie to keep riders fueled and hydrated. Every rider who completes the course by the 5:00 PM cutoff receives a finisher medal. The EPIC 50 is included with your camping wristband purchase, or can be registered for separately. ## Vendor Village The Vendor Village is **free and open to the public** from March 6 through March 8, with approximately 100 vendors showcasing the latest mountain bikes, gear, apparel, nutrition products, and cycling accessories. Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday. Whether you're in the market for a new bike, looking to demo the latest suspension technology, or just want to browse, the Vendor Village is worth the trip on its own. If you need last-minute bike repairs or rentals, [Santos Bike Shop's trailside location](/businesses/santos-bike-shop-trailside) is right at the trailhead, and their [main shop](/businesses/santos-bike-shop-ocala) is just minutes away. ## Festival Schedule Highlights The festival kicks off **Thursday, March 5** with camping check-in at Santos Campground. **Friday, March 6** features free bike clinics led by certified instructor Misty Mahoy of All About Balance, a ladies-only group ride, and Soul Jam live entertainment in the evening. **Saturday, March 7** is the big day with the EPIC 50 Ride launching in the morning and the Kids Epic Ride at 10:00 AM. **Sunday, March 8** wraps up the festival with raffles, final vendor hours, and one last morning of riding. ## Free Bike Clinics Throughout the festival, free bike clinics are available for riders of all skill levels. Led by certified instructor **Misty Mahoy** from All About Balance, these clinics cover fundamentals like body position, braking technique, cornering, and trail etiquette. No pre-registration is required — just sign up the day of at the clinic booth near the Vendor Village. These clinics are a fantastic opportunity for newer riders or anyone looking to sharpen their skills on Santos' diverse terrain. ## Kids Epic Ride Families are a big part of the Fat Tire Festival. The **Kids Epic Ride** launches at 10:00 AM on Saturday in partnership with **Grom Squad MTB**. Young riders choose between the Mini EPIC (approximately one hour and 10 miles of trail) and an advanced group ride covering roughly 20 miles. It's a great way to introduce kids to mountain biking on some of the best purpose-built trails in Florida. [Scott Springs Park](/parks/scott-springs-park) also has a bike skills area for younger riders looking to practice before or after the festival. ## Camping and Accommodations The full festival experience starts with **tent camping at Santos Campground**, right next to the trails. Camping wristbands include breakfast Friday through Sunday, dinner Friday and Saturday, live entertainment each evening, a swag bag with the event T-shirt, and entry into the EPIC 50 Ride with finisher medal. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the mountain bike community for the weekend. If tent camping isn't your style, the [World Equestrian Center](/businesses/world-equestrian-center) hotel offers upscale accommodations just 15 minutes from the trailhead. For those who prefer a more rustic option with additional outdoor activities, [Silver Springs State Park](/businesses/silver-springs-state-park) has campgrounds and is home to Florida's famous glass-bottom boat tours. The [Ocala National Forest](/businesses/ocala-national-forest) also offers camping and is worth exploring for a multi-day outdoor trip. ## Where to Eat and Drink After Riding After a long day on the trails, head into downtown Ocala for some of the area's best food and drink. [Infinite Ale Works](/businesses/infinite-ale-works) is a local favorite craft brewery with a rotating tap list — perfect for a post-ride pint. [Big Hammock Brewery](/businesses/big-hammock-brewery) and [The Lodge](/businesses/the-lodge-ocala) are also excellent spots for unwinding. For a sit-down meal, [Hooked on Harry's](/businesses/hooked-on-harrys) serves fresh seafood and steaks, [Bank Street Patio Bar & Grill](/businesses/bank-street-patio) has a lively outdoor dining scene, and [Black Sheep on Broadway](/businesses/black-sheep-broadway) offers a creative menu in a charming downtown setting. ## About the Santos Trail System The Santos trail network is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the United States, with over 80 miles of singletrack ranging from smooth beginner-friendly paths to technical expert terrain. The trails are built and maintained entirely by OMBA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by donations, memberships, and events like the Fat Tire Festival. Proceeds from the festival go directly toward trail maintenance, new trail construction, and land preservation. Ocala itself is known as the [Horse Capital of the World](/horse-capital-world), but its cycling scene has grown enormously thanks to the Santos trails and the dedicated OMBA community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning rider, the Santos Fat Tire Festival is the best way to experience everything this trail system and the surrounding [Ocala community](/things-to-do-ocala) have to offer. If you're looking for a rest-day activity during the festival, the [Appleton Museum of Art](/businesses/appleton-museum) is a world-class art museum just a short drive away, offering rotating exhibitions and free admission on the first Saturday of every month.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend with a festive run filled with Irish cheer! This family-friendly event features a 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:00 AM and the Irish Eyes are Mile'ing Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:30 AM. All participants receive St. Paddy's themed race bibs, and 5K participants get a soft race t-shirt and custom finisher medal. Perfect for runners of all levels looking to add some Irish luck to their racing calendar. Professional race timing and organization provided by Radical Runs.
Local Running Community & Resources
Ocala's vibrant running community welcomes newcomers and provides comprehensive support for all fitness levels.
For comprehensive race information, training groups, and community events, visit radicalruns.com
- • Monthly race schedules
- • Training group meetings
- • Charity runs and events
- • Seasonal challenges
Young athletes should explore the Ocala Distance Project
- • Age-appropriate training
- • Experienced coaching staff
- • Youth-focused races
- • Character building programs
Visit The Running Elements at 22 SW 1st Ave in downtown Ocala for expert shoe fitting and gait analysis.
- • Professional gait analysis
- • Local trail condition expertise
- • Major brand selection
- • Ongoing running support
More Local Running Resources:
Recent Race Results
Local runners continue to showcase their talent at prestigious events throughout Florida
October 2025
Vanguard High School extended their historic championship streaks at the Marion Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships, with the boys claiming their 27th consecutive title and the girls earning their 23rd straight crown. The Curtis twins led the girls to victory while Luke Lombardo of West Port claimed individual honors in the boys race with a commanding 16:32.6 performance.
September 2025
Ocala area runners demonstrated their competitive strength at the 12th Annual Florida Horse Park Invitational, competing against some of the state's elite cross country programs. The event, hosted by Vanguard High School, attracted national powerhouse teams including Miami's Belen Jesuit Prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about running in Ocala, Florida
Most featured trails are well-maintained, regularly patrolled, and frequently used, making them generally safe for solo runners. However, always inform someone of your route, carry a phone, trust your instincts, and consider running with partners on remote trails.
Many trails welcome leashed dogs, but policies vary by location. Check specific park regulations before bringing pets. Always clean up after your dog, ensure proper hydration during hot weather, and be considerate of other trail users and wildlife.
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures and humidity levels. Winter months (December-February) provide ideal conditions for distance training and racing. Summer running requires early morning or evening scheduling to avoid dangerous heat.
Major trailheads like Santos, Land Bridge, and Baseline offer restroom facilities. For longer runs on remote sections, plan accordingly and know facility locations before starting. Some trails have limited or no facilities.
Jervey Gantt Park offers lighted trails until 10 PM. Most other trails close at sunset for safety reasons. Urban areas like Tuscawilla Park may have ambient lighting but verify local regulations and safety conditions before planning evening runs.
Silver Springs State Park requires an admission fee ($5-8 per vehicle). All other featured trails are free to use. Some parks may charge for specific amenities like camping or special programs.
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