Hillsborough River State Park to Host Swamp Stomp Mud Run

THONOTOSASSA, FL – Florida’s native habitats can be challenging to most people at the best of times. However, the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society is looking to make a five-mile stretch of the park even more challenging.

The organization will host the Swamp Stomp 8K Mud Run on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. Highway 301 in Thonotosassa.

The event will take participants on a cross-country run through several Florida natural habitats and introduce them to the challenges of the “Real Florida.” The course will feature more than 25 obstacles both man-made and natural.

Many of the obstacles will recreate how wild animals live in the Florida forests, including:

• A tortoise going through a borough
• Crawling like a crawfish through thick mud
• Leaping like a frog through a half-acre pool
• Running through the woods like a panther
• Jumping a fireline like a Wildland firefighter

All runners will receive a free beer from Cigar City, a race shirt, a bib and a finisher’s medal. There will be open and elite waves available on both days. Currently, tickets are $45 for the open category and $55 for the elite category. Proceeds from the event will support park improvements and other events at Hillsborough River State Park.

Special and discount codes are not available for the elite category. There will also be a gradual price increase as the event draws near.

Event organizers encourage participants to car pool because of limited parking at Hillsborough River State Park. There will be a $10 parking fee per vehicle unless the vehicle is registered as a camper.

Camping reservations must be made in advance online as soon as possible by following this link. Overnight guests can bring a tent, a camper or a Class A motor coach for less than $24 plus tax per night for up to eight people per site. All sites have electric and water.

The Swamp Stomp 8K Mud Run will take place rain or shine. No rain checks or refunds will be issued.

For more information or to register, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/content/hillsborough-river-swamp-stomp-mud-run.

Images via Hillsborough River State Park Facebook page

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