Are you "fool enough" to tackle the Croom Fools Run? This long-standing event, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, invites runners to experience the unique trails of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Brooksville, FL, on April 4th. Choose your challenge from 50M, 50K, or 16M distances, all traversing a beautiful and challenging course that has earned its reputation as a fantastic trail run in Florida. The race is limited to 250 runners in total, ensuring an intimate and focused trail experience.

The Croom Fools Run takes you through diverse central Florida terrain, winding along mostly single-track trails through long leaf pines, scrub oak covered hills, creek bottoms, and cypress ponds. Runners often praise the well-defined trails that traverse oak hammocks, providing a scenic backdrop, and much of the course benefits from a tree canopy offering welcome shade. While generally considered "flat or nearly flat" with some sandy sections, roots, and grass, it offers "hilly (for Florida)" sections to keep things interesting. The main running path is a 16-mile loop, with 16M participants completing one loop, 50K runners tackling two loops, and 50M ultra-runners conquering three loops.

Runners can expect a very laid-back atmosphere with excellent support on the course. Each 16-mile loop features three aid stations, meaning 16M runners will visit three, 50K runners will have eight, and 50M participants will benefit from twelve aid stations along their journey. These stations are stocked with water, sports drink, gels, and various foods. The loop format allows 50M and 50K runners convenient access to the main staging area and their drop bags during the race at Tucker Hill, the start and finish location. Typical race day conditions in early April feature highs around 82°F and lows around 54°F, with a minimal 9% chance of precipitation. Finishers receive full-color tech shirts and awards, with a celebratory post-race picnic offering burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and more.