{"id":358613,"date":"2026-07-31T09:39:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T09:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/358613\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T09:39:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T09:39:10","slug":"skunk-ape-night-run-an-18-mile-trail-race-through-green-swamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/358613\/","title":{"rendered":"Skunk Ape Night Run: An 18-mile trail race through Green Swamp"},"content":{"rendered":"

It started with a simple text message: \u201c3 p.m. Barr Street.\u201d<\/p>\n

The message\u00a0came from my friend Kevin Bolton, with whom I went on a\u00a0four-day bike ride across Florida last year<\/a>. Recently enamored with trail running, he extended the invite to do a 9-mile run through Little Big Econ State Forest<\/a>. Though I hadn\u2019t been running in months, I knew his walk\/run interval approach would be doable for me.<\/p>\n

On our afternoon journey, I got to hear about Bolton\u2019s new role as the leader of Orlando-based trail-running group O-Town Blazers<\/a> and his upcoming races, including the Skunk Ape Night Run<\/a> on July 18. I was immediately intrigued.<\/p>\n

After a fateful trip to the Everglades five years ago<\/a> to search for the fabled Florida Skunk Ape<\/a>, I was eager to explore the creature\u2019s habitat in the Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area<\/a> near Dade City. I was also equally excited and nervous to tackle my longest-distance trail run yet, a 30K (18.6 miles).<\/p>\n

After (not quite enough) training runs at Shingle Creek, I hopped in the car with Bolton and three other trail runners for our nighttime adventure in the woods.<\/p>\n

Searching for Florida\u2019s Skunk Ape: Chasing Sunshine State\u2019s Sasquatch in the Everglades<\/a><\/p>\n

For reasons I can\u2019t explain, we began belting out \u201cI Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,\u201d harmonies and all, as we pulled into the parking lot for the race. We were giddy with energy reminiscent of childhood, excited to go play in the woods.<\/p>\n

As we walked up to the pavilion with snacks and race bibs, we were greeted by Skunk Ape statues and funny flags reading \u201cFall for roots, not feelings\u201d and \u201cDon\u2019t Tread on Skunk Ape.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph Fuller<\/a>, the race director, said his goal is to make trail running as accessible as possible with a $15 entry fee and post-race potluck. He said that for a third of participants, this was their first trail race.<\/p>\n

\"RunnersRunners line up at the start during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have different backgrounds, way different professions and political beliefs coming together,\u201d he said. \u201cOut on the trail, that doesn\u2019t even matter. You\u2019re all out there doing the same thing for the same goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

As this would be my longest run to date, my goal was simply to finish, ideally in a decent time.<\/p>\n

Though I wondered if this was a good idea, I chugged a Celsius energy drink before the race, hoping the caffeine would give me an extra boost.<\/p>\n

Just after 7 p.m., a group of nearly 160 runners set off, including nearly a dozen O-Town Blazers, some determined to set new personal records and others wishing simply to finish the 18-mile course. We warmed up in the middle of the pack, easing into the race with Bolton\u2019s wife Dani and friends Hanna and David.<\/p>\n

\"RunnersRunners from Orlando, from left, Hanna Dohm, Danica Bolton, David Jacobelli, Patrick Connolly and Kevin Bolton represent O-Town Blazers during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Bolton began taking the run\/walk intervals approach after we had some space on the trail, which helped ensure I had the stamina to finish the race. By mile two, we were skipping some of the walks and running under 10-minute miles as Bolton and I left the rest of our group behind. He was eager to put space between the other runners and us on the course.<\/p>\n

As sunset approached, we saw golden rays poking through rows of pine trees, casting a magical glow onto the Florida Trail where we ran. Watching out for ruts and roots kept my mind occupied, though I was cognizant of the effort I was putting in.<\/p>\n

About an hour into our race, I told Bolton that my heart rate was around 180 beats per minute during our running stretches. His was around 135 or 140 after many recent training runs, the conditioning certainly paying off. I didn\u2019t feel tired yet, but I knew my running companion was in better shape than I was.<\/p>\n

\"PatrickPatrick Connolly, left, and Kevin Bolton pause for a selfie during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Still, having someone to push my limits helped the miles go by faster. We also got to celebrate triumphant moments, like reaching the top of a hill for the most magnificent sunset view. That\u2019s also when the dusk chorus of crickets, cicadas and frogs began to swell.<\/p>\n

As day gave way to night, we stopped at an aid station lit with party lights and music where I grabbed a few snacks for the road, a small slushie and some pickle juice to help with muscle cramps. Then we embarked on the berm loop.<\/p>\n

This section was feared by runners in the past because of the deep, loose sugar sand. This time, the ground had been packed down by recent rains, with grass growing in the sand, making it a much more ideal running surface.<\/p>\n

\"KevinKevin Bolton throws his hands up in excitement as the sun sets during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

We narrowly avoided running through a giant spider web whose owner was home and equally as massive. I also spotted a deer running across the trail and other runners in the distance lighting up the trail with their headlights.<\/p>\n

As we left the berm and headed back into the woods, I realized we had already run a half marathon. Talking made the miles go by a bit faster, although the last few miles on an open forest road were truly a slog.<\/p>\n

I felt gassed, like I was about to fall asleep upright while running. We were three hours into our run, with hardly any breaks other than quick stops for water or snacks.<\/p>\n

\"AA giant spider is spotted on the trail during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

It was also when my gut started acting up. Water sloshed around my stomach as I ran, and I couldn\u2019t consume enough liquid to replenish what I had sweat out.<\/p>\n

Bolton was determined to get me to the finish line as we picked up our pace, passing runners as the finish line inched closer. My stomach was what ultimately held me back after skipping several walking intervals.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go, Superman!\u201d I yelled to my friend as he forged ahead, eager to run through the final mile. I had to walk; I didn\u2019t feel like I had another option. But I was so close to the finish line. I mustered up the last little bit of stamina I had left in my tank and ran through the finish line.<\/p>\n

\"AA funny sign encourages runners during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

In just under three hours and 30 minutes, my nighttime adventure was complete. I took a much-needed seat and cracked open a well-deserved beer as we waited for our companions to finish.<\/p>\n

As more runners completed their 18-mile push, people began to hang out, socialize and feast on a smattering of pizza, wings, pasta, sliders, donuts, brownies, cookies and so much more.<\/p>\n

The informal nature of this race actually encourages more connection, Fuller said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go to a race where it is my getaway, my relaxation. I want a place where I can hang out with all my friends like an awkward family reunion,\u201d he said. \u201cThe potluck encourages people to stick around, share, hang out and tell stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even though Green Swamp has been the location of reported Skunk Ape sightings<\/a>, we didn\u2019t see the mythical creature out on the trails. But we did find camaraderie and fulfillment in trying something hard together and cheering each other on.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe sun sinks behind the trees as seen from the Florida Trail during the Skunk Ape Night Run in Green Swamp on July 18. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Bolton reflected on the sense of nostalgia and energy the day created.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt reminded me of those carefree adventures growing up, when we were allowed to stay out late,\u201d he wrote following the event. \u201cWe all have careers, responsibilities, families and plenty of stuff going on outside of trail running. But for one Saturday night, we threw a middle finger up to adulthood and responsible bedtimes to become a bunch of Florida Skunk Apes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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