The Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic (TUDC) is a road race being held at beautiful Wakulla Springs State Park situated just 15 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city. A throwback to “the old Florida,” Wakulla Springs State Park is home to the world’s largest freshwater spring and the historic Wakulla …
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The Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic (TUDC) is a road race being held at beautiful Wakulla Springs State Park situated just 15 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city. A throwback to “the old Florida,” Wakulla Springs State Park is home to the world’s largest freshwater spring and the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. This park was also the site of the filming of a number of Tarzan movies and The Creature From the Black Lagoon.
Featuring 50k & 50 mile distances as well as a USATF certified marathon distance, which will be eligible as a Boston Qualifying race. The TUDC will continue to unite some of America’s fastest ultra distance runners with those testing themselves at the ultra distance for the first time, for it offers a flat, fast, USATF certified and sanctioned, paved 10k loop course, great volunteer support, plenty of on-course aid and generally runner-friendly weather. Entrants must be at least 16 years of age. All runners will receive a finishers medal.
Proceeds will be used to support running activities in the area and the Friends of Wakulla Springs organization. Come run and then soak your legs in the spring with the manatees!
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More about the Ultra than Marathon
I usually do every race I run twice, but I see no need to do this race again. They had added the marathon distance the year I ran it and … MORE
I usually do every race I run twice, but I see no need to do this race again. They had added the marathon distance the year I ran it and it seemed like the marathon concept was an after thought. There was confusion on the course itself as those of us running the marathon vs an ultra distance had to run a slightly different beginning. They messed up so I got to the finish line and I had only run 25.9 miles. The other very discouraging thing about the race was that when I crossed the finish line there was literally no one there to say “great job.” I had to hunt someone down to get a metal. They were simply more focused on the Ultra runners. Once I got my metal I then kept running to get to 26.2. The actual location was pretty and a nice historic park, and I am still glad I ran it— I am sure the race organizers did better the next year.
Flat and fast
This race started at the historic Wakulla Resort in Wakulla State Park and consisted of five 10K loops for the 50K. After starting in the park, we exited the park … MORE
This race started at the historic Wakulla Resort in Wakulla State Park and consisted of five 10K loops for the 50K. After starting in the park, we exited the park and ran an out and back in opposite directions on a straight stretch of closed road before returning to the start. There wasn’t much to see along the highway except for the runners going in the opposite directions. There was also a ruck division this year, so it was fun to see all of the members of the armed service carrying their packs. There were aid stations spaced about 3 miles which was nice as I didn’t even have to carry a hydration bottle. The highlight of this race for me was walking down to the springs after the race and seeing the manatees as I had never seen them before. The springs were crystal clear and it looked like you could see 20-25 feet down. We were given a nice 3/4 sleeve shirt at the packet pickup and a medal at the finish. I enjoyed the race as it was a unique ecosystem for me, but it would have been nicer if it had been a longer loop or if it had made use of more of the trails in the park.
Go big. Go Ultra.
In the recent past, the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic has offered a 50-miler and a 50K (jokingly called the fun run). This year, directors added a marathon to cover the … MORE
In the recent past, the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic has offered a 50-miler and a 50K (jokingly called the fun run). This year, directors added a marathon to cover the fun and expand the options. I ran the 50K.
This was my second attempt at the distance, having ran this race in 2015 more or less on a whim. I thought of taking it on last year after my marathon, but it didn’t work out. I got to thinking about it again this year, and I took the bait.
The races run a series of loops in and around Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. All races started at 7 a.m.; the 50K and marathon started together while the 50-miler started at a different location within the park. From there, 50-milers ran 8 loops, 50K runners ran 5, and marathon runners ran a loop in the park and then 4 regular course loops along park roads and a neighboring road. I’m sure that reads in a complicated fashion, but organizers and volunteers made sure everything went off smoothly.
Along the course, there were two aid stations — one with food and drinks and the other with water — with volunteers to record bib numbers and make sure everyone finished the appropriate number of loops. There was also a big aid station at the start/finish that had a variety of food and drinks. Both food stations had candies, chips, potatoes, soda, water, sports drink, and more.
As I’ve said in an earlier review, loop races get to me sometimes. One thing I like about this course is that you’re never really alone to let those doubts or concerns creep in. The way the 10K loop works is this: go out of the park to the left and out the road about 2.7 miles, where you turn around and go back a bit north of the park to turn around and reenter the park to complete the loop. As such, you’re always running with someone or meeting someone — and everyone (runners, volunteers, etc.) was incredibly encouraging.
After the race, I made my way to my car to change shoes and then to the cold water of Wakulla Springs to soak my feet and legs a bit. Then, I enjoyed some rices and beans near the start/finish area (this is also where the bathrooms were located — not relevant to this context but an important detail nonetheless.
The directors are stepping down after this race, so it will be interesting to see what happens to the race going forward. Still, if you’re looking to push yourself either to the marathon distance, a little bit beyond it, or all the way to 50 miles, this well-supported, relatively flat race is a great place to do it.
Bonus fun fact: The “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (and sequels) were filmed in part at Wakulla Springs.
* There is a 10-hour cutoff for all races. That probably applies the most to the 50-miler.
* After the race, take the time to enjoy the cold water in the springs. It’s a great relief after beating up your legs and feet.