January 23, 2027

Florida Roots Trail Race at Fort Clinch

10K · 30K · 50K  —  Amelia Island, Florida

The Race

Three distances, one incredible course. Every loop takes you through canopied singletrack, past the historic fort walls, and along the coastal shore.

30K
3 loops · 18.6 miles
Start 10:00 AM
Cutoff 7:00 PM
Entry $85
Register for 30K
10K
1 loop · 6.2 miles
Start 1:00 PM
Cutoff 7:00 PM
Entry $65
Register for 10K

Every entry includes

Chip timing by MCM Race shirt Finisher award Post-race food and drinks

Canopied Singletrack Through Maritime Hammock

All distances follow the same 10K loop beginning and ending at the Fort Clinch visitor center. The course consists primarily of mixed-use singletrack that follows the natural undulation of the coastal terrain. There are a large number of short, sometimes steep climbs that vary from sand to well-packed dirt.

As the name suggests, roots are plentiful—so keep your eyes open.

View route on Strava
Runner on sandy coastal trail with palmetto foreground Runner under forest canopy with dappled light Runner on beach with historic fort wall and ocean

More Than a Race—
A Gathering

The Florida Roots Trail Race at Fort Clinch is first and foremost a community gathering. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner hunting for a new personal best or a road runner looking to push into unfamiliar territory, this event brings us all together for one unforgettable day of canopied singletrack, food, and drink.

From the raucous amazement at the winners to the lamp-lit cheers for the final runner, we embrace and celebrate every one of our participants.

Florida State Parks

100% of profits are donated to Florida State Parks

Community First

Seasoned ultra runners alongside first-time trail racers. Everyone belongs here.

Real Food & Drink

A wide selection of real food at aid stations. Food and drinks at the finish line.

Preserve Florida's Parks

Every registration directly supports the growth and preservation of Florida State Parks.

Race Details

Schedule

  • 50K start: 8:00 AM
  • 30K start: 10:00 AM
  • 10K start: 1:00 PM
  • All distances cutoff: 7:00 PM

Aid Stations

  • 2 stations on the 10K loop
  • Start/finish area with drop bags
  • Second station at ~2.5 miles
  • Water, electrolyte drink, food
  • Bathrooms at both stations

Awards

  • All finishers receive an award
  • FL State Park passes for top male & female in each distance
  • FL State Park passes for top masters (40+) M/F in each distance

What's Included

  • Chip timing by MCM Timing
  • Race shirt
  • Finisher's award
  • Post-race food & drinks

Accommodations

  • Group tent camping at Fort Clinch (Fri & Sat nights)
  • Restrooms, shower, drinkable water
  • Hotels on Amelia Island within 5 min drive

Rules & Info

  • No pacers allowed on course
  • Registration deadline: Jan 22 @ 11:59 PM ET
  • Location: Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL

About Zero Feet Above

Zero Feet Above was started when three friends and Fernandina Beach residents—Alex Johnston, Daniel Larkin, and Matt Mueller—realized how much they loved running inside Fort Clinch and other Florida State Parks.

Wanting to share this experience with as many other runners as possible, they organized the first Florida Roots Trail Race at Fort Clinch. What started as a simple idea between friends has grown into an event that brings together runners of all levels for one unforgettable day on the trails.

Our Mission

Our goal is to help Florida runners discover the amazing trails available in their state parks. Whether through informal training runs or organized races, we believe that bringing new runners to these parks promotes the growth and preservation of these incredible natural resources.

Every runner who crosses the start line helps support the trails they run on. That's why 100% of our profits go directly to Florida State Parks.

Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring? Get in touch

Ready to Run?

Join us at Fort Clinch State Park for a day of trails, community, and celebration.

Register Now