Race Details
🌲 Whispering Pines Trail Event
A Free, Fun, and Flexible Day on the Trails
Saturday | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Whispering Pines City Park: In the pavilion near Parking Lot B & Playground
🎉 About the Event
The atmosphere at Whispering Pines is social, laid-back, and full of fun. This is a free event that thrives on donations to help cover essentials like park rental, insurance, aid station supplies, and more. Once costs are covered, any remaining funds will be donated to the park to support its ongoing care.
👟 All Ages. All Abilities. All Day.
This event truly has something for everyone — all ages, paces, and experience levels are welcome. Whether you want to run, walk, or do a mix of both, you can enjoy the trail on your terms.
The 5-mile loop begins and ends at the pavilion by Parking Lot B and the playground.
The course is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Do as many loops as you’d like — go far, go easy, take breaks, come and go. Just check in with the timing crew after each loop and let them know your plans.
🗺 Course Details
Trails are a mix of single-track and double-track paths.
Surfaces include packed sand and pine needles, with gentle hills and plenty of shade.
Each loop crosses two paved roads within the park — stay alert at crossings.
The course will be clearly marked with arrows at turns and orange flagging ribbon. There are many intersecting trails, so pay close attention to markings to stay on course.
⛺ Aid Station & “Potluck”
An aid station will be set up at the Start/Finish with standard trail food and drinks.
Want something specific? Bring it!
Feeling generous? Contribute to our aid station potluck and share a favorite snack or drink with the trail community!
⏰ Check-In & Awards
Check-in opens at 6:15 AM and remains open until 4:00 PM.
Everyone who completes at least 2 loops (10 miles) will receive a finisher award!
💚 A Day on the Trails, Your Way
Whether you're training for an ultra, logging some relaxed trail miles, or just want to enjoy a day in nature with good people — Whispering Pines is the perfect place to do it.
Come as you are. Go as far as you want. Bring your friends, your family, your snacks — and help us make it a memorable day in the woods!
CAPACITY
The capacity for Whispering Pines is 175 runners. If you try to register and the race is sold out, please continue to check back. As people withdraw, spots will open up.
Directions
Directions to start: Follow Highway 44 West/ West Main Street, through Inverness. At the intersection of Highway 44 and Forest Drive/Pleasant Grove Road/ CR 581, turn onto Forest Drive and drive about 1/4 mile to the park entrance. At the stop sign, turn left and follow the road to the sign for Parking Lot B.
Accommodations
Inverness has few motels. There is the Central Motel about 3 miles from the start. There is also a Holiday Inn Express 4 miles from the start on Highway 44 West. Camping is available at Holder Mine Campground in the Withlacoochee State Forest, about 4 miles from the start and Mutual Mine Campground about 6.5 miles. There are several motels at the I-75/Hwy 44 junction, Wildwood, about 16 miles from the start. No one is allowed to stay in Whispering Pines Park overnight.
Event's current local time: 10:39 AM ET
