There is a part of Withlacoochee Forest that is tucked away off of Croom Road in Brooksville, Florida called Tucker Hill. This area has the most amazing natural settings of growing oaks. The secluded area, away from major roadways, makes it a perfect place to have a night trail run.
Andy Mathews and Jim Hartnett are the coordinators for Tampa Races and this is their second year coordinating the Moon over Croom trail run event. With over two hundred and fifty runners signing up for this event, each year this event attracts more runners from all over the state of Florida.
The recent rain that has overshadowed many outdoor events here in Hernando County did not stop runners from participating in the Moon over Croom. “Runners love the rain.” Mathews said.
Mathews has been involved in races for over 24 years and looks forward to all the upcoming events Tampa Races has scheduled within the year, especially the ones here in Brooksville.
“Last year was our first night run and it did very well,” Mathews said.
Getting the preparations for the night trail run requires marking the trail with survey flags and orange fluorescent trail tape. This serves to guide the runners’ efficiently and keep them safe while following the trail. The trail is also lined with glow sticks.
Jackie Markese was amongst her friends that participated in the event. Marksese traveled from Duval County just to participate in this run. “It’s a night run and it’s trail running which I do like,” Markses said. How the timing was set up was another factor Markese likes; the 21 miles started at 6:00 pm, 14 miles started at 7:00 pm and the 7 mile began at 8:00 pm.
The interest in this night trail run caught the attention of many runners throughout the state of Florida. Gary Skutte, originally from Titusville, Florida; currently residing in Ireland, flew in on July 27 just to run in this event. “Just outside of where I live is small town called Croom, where I do mountain running and trail running.” Skutte said. Skutte joined his friend Danny Barrett from Port St. John, Florida to participate in the Moon over Croom event. “I like these trail runs and it’s a great place to run.” Barrett said.
Getting your body ready for a 5k trail run may take months to get prepared. Knowledge and exercise helps build your body into shape to sustain the distances and challenges that are involved in trail running. Partnering up with a running buddy can help as well as planning a running routine to get runners prepared. Not only is this healthy for everyone at any age, it’s also about being outdoors and enjoying nature. Because this is demanding exercise, before deciding to train for a trail run, it’s best to get your physician’s advice as well.
Darryl Lohrke from Spring Hill, Florida participated in the Moon over Croom. “A lot of friends do trail running and this will be my first trail run; I have done two Ironmans, I am training for my third Ironman and what a better way find something local and still get a great training run in,” Lohrke said.
As many of the Hernando County residents may not have been aware of this event, word of mouth was just one source of exposure. Lohrke stated, “It’s awesome to a part of, I wish there was more publicity and I think it would attract huge numbers, it has the potential to be huge.”
There are a couple more Tampa Races events happening in Hernando County for those that missed the Moon over Croom trail run on August 1. There is the John Holmes Trail Run on October 10, 2015 and Dirthead Off-Road Duathlon which will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015. “We would like to get more of the community involved,” Hartnett said. Let’s hope this can help.
To find out more information about Tampa Races visit their website at:http://www.tamparaces.com/ To get tips and information about trail runner visit this website: http://trailrunner.com/resources/
