Skunk Ape Events

05/31/2026

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Jeff Stephens and Andrea for their years of race directing the Lake to Ocean 100K (L2O). Jeff has always been one of those RD’s I’ve looked up too.

Their hard work and dedication created one of the most rugged, legendary running events Florida has ever seen, all while preserving the spirit of a true old-school ultramarathon.

Although I’ve only made it as far as Beeline and have spent time hanging out at the event, L2O remains one of my favorite races of all time. So, thank you, Jeff and Andrea, for everything you’ve done for the Florida ultra community and for building such a special race.

With that also comes some exciting news: Leo Acosta will be taking over as Race Director. For those unfamiliar with Leo, he is the Race Director for Death at Dupuis and has done a fantastic job with that event.

It’s exciting to see what the future holds for the Lake to Ocean 100K under Leo’s leadership. More importantly, it’s great to know that this race will continue carrying on the tradition of being an old-school ultra classic for years to come.

05/14/2026

The town of St Leo commission voted unanimously to deny the new development application for the St. Leo Abbey Golf Course yesterday evening. The overwhelming public opposition to allow another HOA Development to take control of our local lands led to a massive turnout. The main hall was full, the overflow room was full, and there were residents outside who couldn’t get in.

This is what happens when hearings are scheduled at times when working residents can actually participate. This is what public engagement looks like when meetings are held at times everyday residents can realistically attend. This is what happens when Commissioners don’t bury meetings on a Tuesday at 1 p.m. while most people are at work.

For years, officials have pointed to low attendance as proof that the community isn’t interested. That narrative falls apart when residents are actually given a fair chance to be involved.

Residents do care. Residents show up when they aren’t sidelined. Residents participate when public input is scheduled at times that allow working families the opportunity to be heard.

Ryan Homes was working to put a bunch of homes over on the Abbey side at the golf course. They need a land use change to do that. A group has been diligently working to communicate with the St. Leo commissioners that they do not need to make that change and that it is directly opposite of what the residents want and what those of us in the neighboring communities want.

05/09/2026

A fantastic episode from the Florida Trail Runners Podcast!

In this episode, we sit down with Quentin Berghmans who recently finished his first 100 Miler at the Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run. He’s a former Belgian Special Forces operator, bodybuilder, coach, entrepreneur, and ultra runner for a conversation that goes way beyond fitness.

We talk about his journey from joining the Belgian military at 18 and deploying to Afghanistan and Lebanon, to transitioning into body building, coaching high-level athletes, and eventually stepping into the world of ultra enduranceracing. Along the way, we dive into discipline, mental toughness, suffering, masculinity, identity, healing, faith, purpose, and the psychology behind pushing the human body to its limits.

We also get into old-school vs modern bodybuilding, trainingphilosophy, and of course, running the Skunk Ape 100 through the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways trails and sand. This episode is about transformation, resilience, and what it really means to rebuild yourself through struggle.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eRe04HmfXcMUL9PqNSQNE?si=D7FpzHegS16QfwgwgBLCEw&t=1008&pi=M9IFxU8VRj-ZU

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/florida-trail-runners-podcast/id1605158267?i=1000766845851

iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-florida-trail-runners-podc-93349833/episode/126-quentin-berghmans-and-the-skunk-ape-100-mile-333039025?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false

Audible: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eRe04HmfXcMUL9PqNSQNE?si=D7FpzHegS16QfwgwgBLCEw&t=1008&pi=M9IFxU8VRj-ZU

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/796d5eea-687d-4a27-b2cf-312aca0b757c/episodes/e21e8575-cd99-4cf6-b0cf-f480f296d1b0/florida-trail-runners-podcast-126-quentin-berghmans-and-the-skunk-ape-100-mile?ref=dm_sh_3PFpt26pMHmScDk5Xwobxz213

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/+AA2xN0-LUCc

05/02/2026

A fun video from YOURUNYOU on there Trail Talk Tuesday about there time at the Ross Prairie Aid Station at the 2026 Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run.

2 likes, 1 comment. "Aid Station Skunk Ape 100 Race Report"

04/29/2026

The Race Directors Report for the 2026 Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run: This is the time I finally get to pause and reflect on the race weekend. With everything that goes into the logistics, it’s often hard to catch every detail in the moment. Over the past few days, though, I’ve been seeing the posts, the stories, the reels, and the videos - and it’s been an absolute honor to witness.

First and foremost, I have to thank the volunteers. With over 50 individuals taking time out of their schedules, and for some, even giving up a night of sleep - it’s truly incredible to see the hard work and dedication they bring. They keep runners moving, supported, and motivated all the way to the finish. From course marking (Joe Miller is a course marking machine), course sweeping, footcare to fishing socks out of toilets… My parents Bill and Jeanne Fuller, my wife Colleen Fuller. Events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without them.

As for the runners, it was amazing to witness so many finishes this weekend. There were countless stories of resilience—people overcoming hospital visits, surgeries, and cancer; runners who DNF’d or dropped down last year returning to finish this year; and many taking on the distance for the very first time. These are the moments that define the spirit of the race. Stories of folks teaming up and working together on the trail – that’s what this community is all about!

As the race would have it, in the 100 Mile, we started with 55 runners and we had 33 finishers! I have to give a huge shoutout to Gary Cervera, Kezyon McElvy, Norman Valladares, Michael Prine, Jason Todd, William Kaiser, Dale Morrill, Nestor Calixto, Quentin Berghmans, Tracy Gibney, Matthew Seluk, Aaron Homan, Mark Lorensen, Blake Urquhart, Ebbo Skadhauge, Jimmy Sheridan, and Ricky Padgett for getting that first 100 Mile finish!

We did see a new course record in the 100 Miler as well. This year Eric Kalina ran a time of 20:21:32, lowering the course record down from Shea Frederick’s 21:46:59. Along with that, we also saw Ary J Rochon (2nd, 20:47:48), Ricky Padgett (3rd, 21:06:56), and Chris Stangle (4th, 23:52:49) join the Sub 24-Hour Club! They now join the small list of Yanbin Wang, Brennen Hersman, Luke Vidal, Shea Frederick (x2), Andrew Kelly, and Erica Reinsel!

In the 50 Miler, we also saw a ton of first timers to the distance as well. Scott Brady, who DNF’d last year got it done this year (proudly claiming the DFL)! So also shoutouts too; Jonathan Borroto, Steffen Liebenow, Carri Ryan, Mendy Spivey, Holly Lanker, Tina Porter, Jessica Preston, Gena Birney, Bill Spivey, Alain Fernandez, Matthew Yasova-Zaffos, Christian Gonzalez, Nick Pardo, Tommy Bradley, Landen McMullen, Kelly Bowman, Scott Duncan, Diego Ucros, Cole Horne, Marc Renick, Matt McMillen, Gage Honeysette, Cody Miller, Keith Novembre, Austin Jenkins, Max Von Briel, David Law, Anthony Edwards, Danny Maduro, Tommy Burke, Jan Vargas-Troche, Rob Manoogian, Natasha Vilchez, Andrey Taranov, Kyle Hines, Joseph Navarro, Robert Roach, Kevin Haley, Phillips Gordon, Lippe Popack, Andy Dunn, Kyle Kline, River Farrell, Shane Potter, John Talley, Colton Blackston, Jonathan Grindstaff, and Melissa Gray for completing the 50 Mile distance for the first time.

Also, a quick shoutout to Jacob De Leur, from Sweden, for taking on his first American 50 Miler! He was in Florida for work and decided to spent his weekend with us on the trails. With that to note, a huge congratulations to James Mathis as this is now his new “post cancer” distance PR!

With the winners, we saw a course record go down! Grant Bonatz took first place overall with a new course record of 8:57:19. He is now the first person to go sub-9 hours on the Skunk Ape 50 Mile course! Coming in second place overall was Melissa Gray with a time of 9:43:12, which is now the second fastest female time on course.

Overall, it truly was a great year. The Berm proved to be a deciding factor for many, and the paved sections once again sparked the classic love-it-or-hate-it debate. Beyond that, what stood out most were the support systems - aid station volunteers, crews, families, and pacers—all coming together to make something special.

It’s wild to think that this entire weekend - something that demands so much preparation, focus, and effort only accounts for two days out of a 365-day year. That’s only about 0.55% of your time. It may sound like a lot in the moment, but it’s a small fraction of the bigger picture. If you can dedicate yourself enough to push through something like this, to endure and succeed at this level, imagine what’s possible when you apply that same focus and commitment elsewhere.

This was truly a special year for the Skunk Ape 100 Mile and it’s because of every single one of you out there.

Thank you to Yourunyou, Combat Racing , Where's the Finish Podcast, ASC - Aid Station Coffee, Bob's Pickle Pops, TANRI, and LEKI.

Thank you to the Florida State Parks and the entire Greenway Staff, Camp Hosts, and Rangers. As well as to Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Florida Trail Association, and the Forestry folks at the Ross Prairie Wildlife Management Area.

04/28/2026

Now, I have to thank every single runner at year’s Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run, it was such a memorable experience. Whether you were out on the course, or crewing, pacing, or cheering from the sidelines, your presence meant a lot. It was an AWESOME year!

It was also a challenging weekend, as it always is, but that’s part of what makes this event so special. The course pushed limits, the heat, the Berm, and it was incredible to see how each of you showed up, supported one another, and kept moving forward. From the miles logged on the trail to the encouragement shared at aid stations in the middle of the night, every contribution mattered.

To the runners: The determination you brought to the course was powerful to witness. This race isn’t easy, and regardless of the outcome, finish line, Dropping Down, or a DNF - you stepped up to something difficult, and that counts. I saw so many comebacks from previous years drop downs and DNF’s to finishes this year! Folks who were 12 months post surgery, 6 months from being discharged from the hospital to a runner who made it through cancer get his “post-cancer” distance PR. Y’all killed it out there!

To the crews, pacers, families, and friends: Thank you for being there every step of the way. The support you gave—whether it was a ride between aid stations, a quick snack, or just the right words at the right time—played a huge role in keeping runners going. From texting me at 1 or 2am to get through the Ross Prairie gate to also being awake for 24+ Hours for your runner – you too finished your own version of an ultra.

I hope you’re all walking away (or limping away) with great stories, lasting memories, and maybe a little reminder of the course still stuck in your shoes.

04/28/2026

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank every single 2026 Skunk Ape 100 Mile volunteer who showed up this past weekend. We had people travel from all over the state of Florida to be part of this weekend, and that alone says a lot. Events like this don’t just “happen”—they’re built on the time, energy, and heart of people who are willing to give up their own weekend to support others chasing big goals. Quite simply, none of this is possible without them. This is our community.

This year we had 52 volunteers. When you break that down across five aid stations, plus the start and finish line, covering 18 different shifts, it really puts things into perspective. That’s a lot of moving parts and a lot of people stepping in at different times, all working toward the same goal of getting runners to the finish line. Every filled cup, every checked bib, every mile marked - it all adds up.

And the stories within that group are what make it special. My parents, who show up year after year without hesitation, helping with setup, running ice, and taking care of whatever needs to get done. My wife Colleen, who is behind so much of the organization and logistics that people never even see, making sure everything flows the way it should. Joe Miller, who went out and course marked over 20 miles and was joined along the way by Audri and Chris. The Reid family, along with Kevin and Shae, holding it down at their aid stations all weekend long, creating a place runners could rely on. Russ at St Rt 200 stepping in last minute to fill a gap when it mattered most. Laura Trevino jumping into multiple volunteer shifts… And Nick Urena, who quite literally did whatever it took, even reaching into a toilet to unclog it so runners could keep going. That’s the kind of commitment you can’t teach. There so many names and so many stories.

So many moments like that - some seen, however many unseen that define the success of this event. It’s not just about putting on a race; it’s about building a community where people show up for each other in real, meaningful ways. That’s what I admire most about this group.

So truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. To every volunteer who gave their time, their effort, and their energy—you made this happen. You made every finish line moment possible. And that’s something worth recognizing.

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

The Berm Loop has been cleaned, trailhead crossings have been cleaned, and a whole lot of signage and flagging tape for the 2026 Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run!