The Torreya State Park Ultra is held each year, usually in the Spring, on the trails of Torreya in Liberty County, Florida. There is a 25 k (15.5 miles) and 50k (31 miles) option. Last year, I did the 25k so naturally, this year I tried the 50k.
After camping with my running partner, Robin, the night before, we rose to the sound of birds chirping and the forest waking. The race started at 8:00am so we quickly packed the tent and campsite to get to the starting line. Our friends, Vicky and Michelle, ran the race with us (25k) on the course that has the highest elevation in Florida. Most of the race is on single-track paths through the park and takes you through creeks, over trees, up steep inclines and back down again. There were three aide stations along the way providing food and drink (the baby red potatoes dipped in salt were our favorite) and as the race director said, you can gain weight running this race if you take advantage of all they had to offer.
We managed to complete the race in right under 9 hours and enjoyed almost every step of the way. There are always those moments when you are a couple hours from the finish where you say, hmmm, I'll just lie down on the trail and take a little nap! But you don't even though for that second you contemplated it since being on your feet running over roots and through water wears you out! The best part of the race was having our running friends there to greet us (thanks Kay, Diana and Kathy!) at the finish, and of course, getting to sit down.
Even if you aren't a runner, check out the park sometime. It's the perfect place to hike in Florida and only 1 hour from Tallahassee.
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