Florida Track Club Marathon

Gainesville, United States of America 17 Jan, 2026

The Florida Track Club Marathon is held on the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, starting at the Hawthorne Trail Head in Hawthorne, Florida. The race utilizes a flat, paved bike path, certified by USATF (FL21006JK), and is designed to facilitate fast performances. The full marathon course consists of four loops, each covering approximately a quarter of the marathon distance. Each loop involves a straightforward out-and-back stretch of about 3.27 miles before returning, resulting in only seven turns for the full 26.2 miles. This structure allows the course to be highly accessible for spectators, as runners pass the start/finish area multiple times, enhancing visibility for supporters and family members.

The trail is bordered on both sides by a tree canopy, which provides both shade and typically low wind conditions for runners. This natural coverage, coupled with the flat terrain, contributes to an environment conducive to steady pacing and potentially fast finish times. The marathon has a cut-off time of six hours for course support, including water stations and official timing, but runners can complete the distance at their own risk after the limit.

Organization of the event includes fully automatic timing and live runner tracking provided by Endurance Sports Timing, with additional logistics focused on participant needs. There are adequate porta potties at both the start area and along the course for participant convenience, and parking is located close to the starting area, with a short walk required for access. The event customarily begins at 8:00 AM, and participation is capped to maintain manageability and safety.

Participants report easy logistics, with recommendations to stay in Gainesville, given its proximity (about 30 minutes’ drive) and greater availability of hotels and restaurants. The four-loop course design allows for regular access to aid and visibility, making it suitable both for experienced marathoners aiming for a qualifying time and for those seeking a supportive environment. Half marathoners share the same starting time and route, completing two loops instead of four, with pacing groups available for various finish goals.

Overall, the Florida Track Club Marathon is noted for its flat, shaded, and spectator-friendly route, attentive race organization, and a participant experience focused on support and convenience.

Generic Marathon Time This represents the time you would expect to run a "generic" marathon in. This is a marathon with around 250 m (800 ft) of elevation gain and a temperature around 10°C (50°F). For best results, use our Race Predictor.

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Florida Track Club Marathon Time


Statistics

Elevation
Elevation Gain 82 m 269 ft
Elevation Low 36 m 118 ft
Elevation High 42 m 138 ft
Weather
Expected Temperature (Low) 4°C 38°F
Expected Temperature (High) 16°C 61°F
Chance of Rain 0%

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The Florida Track Club Marathon is held on the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, starting at the Hawthorne Trail Head in Hawthorne, Florida. The race utilizes a flat, paved bike path, certified by USATF (FL21006JK), and is designed to facilitate fast performances. The full marathon course consists of four loops, each covering approximately a quarter of the marathon distance. Each loop involves a straightforward out-and-back stretch of about 3.27 miles before returning, resulting in only seven turns for the full 26.2 miles. This structure allows the course to be highly accessible for spectators, as runners pass the start/finish area multiple times, enhancing visibility for supporters and family members.

The trail is bordered on both sides by a tree canopy, which provides both shade and typically low wind conditions for runners. This natural coverage, coupled with the flat terrain, contributes to an environment conducive to steady pacing and potentially fast finish times. The marathon has a cut-off time of six hours for course support, including water stations and official timing, but runners can complete the distance at their own risk after the limit.

Organization of the event includes fully automatic timing and live runner tracking provided by Endurance Sports Timing, with additional logistics focused on participant needs. There are adequate porta potties at both the start area and along the course for participant convenience, and parking is located close to the starting area, with a short walk required for access. The event customarily begins at 8:00 AM, and participation is capped to maintain manageability and safety.

Participants report easy logistics, with recommendations to stay in Gainesville, given its proximity (about 30 minutes’ drive) and greater availability of hotels and restaurants. The four-loop course design allows for regular access to aid and visibility, making it suitable both for experienced marathoners aiming for a qualifying time and for those seeking a supportive environment. Half marathoners share the same starting time and route, completing two loops instead of four, with pacing groups available for various finish goals.

Overall, the Florida Track Club Marathon is noted for its flat, shaded, and spectator-friendly route, attentive race organization, and a participant experience focused on support and convenience.

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