AdventHealth Presents the Central Florida Legends Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K

NEW DATE!

Celebrating its 8th year, the Central Florida Legends will take place on Saturday November 14th, 2026 on the scenic Spring-to-Spring and East Central Regional paved trails of West Volusia County.  Races will begin and end at Gemini Springs Park in Debary, FL.  

Debary is conveniently located midway between Orlando and Daytona Beach.  Gemini Springs is easily accessible from I-4.  

Events will be hosted by the West Volusia Runners in partnership with Runner's High Timing and Race Management.   

The Central Florida Legends Races include, the Skunk Ape Full Marathon, Mermaid Half Marathon and Fountain of Youth 5K.  The routes traverse paved trails, roads and parks full of Old Florida flora, fauna and charm.  They are also flat and fast!  All participants receive a custom race t-shirt, finishers medal and access to the post race party.

Stick around after your race for the Legendary Tailgate Party at the finish line!

The unicorn isn't the only mythological creature worth chasing!  

Start Times:

7:00am - Marathon

7:30am - Half Marathon 

8:00am - 5K

1.  What is a skunk ape? The skunk ape, also known as the Florida bigfoot, swamp ape and swampsquatch is a humanoid creature said to inhabit the swamps of the Southeastern US states. Reports from Florida are most common.
It is named for its large and hairy appearance. People report seeing it walking upright through marshes, cypress hammocks and swampy areas. The skunk ape is said to be able to move very quickly through dense swamp areas and accounts also claim that it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
Tracking down the Skunk Ape is serious business. There are field guides, photos and videos of alleged sightings an even a Skunk Ape Research Center where you can learn more about the legendary creatures.
Historically Native American tribes reported seeing the skunk ape even before European settlers arrived. They believed he was the protector of the woods and environment, and that he chases away those who would damage the forests.
Our Monroe is a fun loving and friendly guy. He is also very fast and kinda shy. Keep your eyes out for him as you run the trails of Central Florida!!

2.   Is this race on roads or trails? Race courses are on pavement.  They are primarily on the paved multi-use Spring to Spring and East Central Regional trails but also cover a few roads and parks.  

3.  Is the course certified? Yes, the full marathon course is USATF certified.  The certification code is FL24014JK

4. Are strollers permitted on course? Yes, strollers are permitted.  Please start at the back of the pack, stay to the right and be courteous of your fellow runners/walkers.

5. Can I give someone my bib?  Yes.  You may transfer your bib to someone else. To do this the registered runner must initiate the transfer to another runner by logging into their RunSignUp account.

- Go to your profile by clicking on the circular logo in the upper right hand corner of the page
- Scroll down to Upcoming Event
- Next to your Central Florida Legends registration click on the Manage Registration icon
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Transfer to Another Runner
          - Follow the steps for the bib exchange
          - You will need the new runners name and email address
          - A link to the complete the sign up process will be sent to the new runner.  They must complete their registration for it to be finalized

Transfers must be completed by midnight on Wednesday, November 18th.

6. Can I change events? drop to the half marathon or 5K? Switch to the Half? Yes. To do this log onto your RunSignUp account

- Go to your profile by clicking on the circular logo in the upper right hand corner of the page
- Scroll down to Upcoming Event
- Next to your Central Florida Legends registration click on the Manage Registration icon
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Transfer Events
          - Follow the steps for the transfer

Transfers must be completed by Wednesday November 15th at 11:59pm

7. I am registered but cannot run.  Can I get a refund?  No.  No refunds are available.  If you cannot run your options are to transfer your bib to another runner, drop down to an event you can manage, switch to the virtual event (see questions 5, 6 and 7 above)or defer.  You may defer your registration online before midnight November 17th only.  To do this log onto your RunSignUp account -- Go to My Registered Races -- Select your Central Florida Legends registration --Select Manage Registration and follow steps for deferral.  In the event that the event is cancelled due to mandates from 

8. How many water stops will be on the full marathon/half marathon/5K courses?  There are 10 water stops on the full marathon course runners will go past each 2X so effectively 20 water stops.  There are 5 water stops on the half marathon course which runners will go past 2X so effectively 10 water stops.  The 5K will have 1 water stop that you will hit at Mile 1 and again at Mile 2. 

9. What are the course cut off times?  The full marathon course will be open from 7:00am-1pm. The half marathon route travels the same route and will also be open until 1pm.  Runners should be able to maintain a 14 minute per mile pace to meet the full marathon cutoff of 6 hours. Runners may continue past cut off time but be aware that volunteers will be release and support may not be available

10.  Will bag drop be offered?  Yes, there will be a bag drop located under the large tent in the start / finish line area.

11. Am I required to wear a mask?  What are the COVID policies and procedures? There are a number of changes, new procedures and polices in place due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Please read through our policies and procedures to see all of these changes. COVID Policies and Procedures Page 

Don't miss the Legendary "Trail-gate" Tailgating Party at the Finish Line!  Stick around to cheer on your friends, family and fellow runners as they complete their race.  

Enjoy Beer, BBQ and Bask in the glory of your Legendary achievement.

Join the "Inner Circle Trailgate Area" to get the best spot.  

Groups and Teams can earn 1 free trail-gate spot with for every 10 registered runner!!

Get your business name and product information out to hundreds of runners and their families!  Various sponsorship opportunities are available open the file below for more details.  Let's see how we can help each other!

If you are interested in being a vendor at our Saturday packet pick up (12-6) and on site race day (6-1) we have a vendor only option for $200.  If cash flow is tight or you would prefer we would be happy to discuss exchanging an in kind donation of equal value (must be something that would benefit the race or raffle to runners) for vendor access.

For questions about sponsorship please call Candace Ziegler at (386) 212-1769 or email mrsziggs@gmail.com

Click on the PDF below for the information on the water stop locations.

Early Packet Pick Up

Dates:
Thursday November 12th - 3:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday November 13th - 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Central 28 Beer Company
Address: 290 Springview Commerce Dr, Ste 1,
DeBary, FL 32713

Race Day Packet Pickup

Gemini Springs Park

Saturday November 14th 5:30am - 8:00am

Gemini Springs 37 Dirksen Dr, DeBary, FL 32713

Free Parking is on site less than .1 miles from the start/finish line.   

In addition to regular (free) race parking:

Trail-gater, Trail-gater Inner Circle entry and VIP Parking will be available for purchase during the registration process.  Your group or team can also earn a free upgraded trail-gate spot if you have more then 10 registered runners!

Trail-gate Inner Circle

This guarantees you one of the best spots at the post race Trail-gate party and gives you an entry into the Trail-gate Contest.  The best decorated (skunk ape, mermaid or fountain of youth themed) vehicle will win a cash prize and race swag!  The inner circle puts you as close as you can get to the finish line and post race party.  Only 25 spots available!  

Trail-gater

This option provides you parking in the tailgating area with room to spread out a little as well entry into the Trail-gate contest.  Not quite front row like the inner circle but still close to the finish line action.  Only 25 spots available!  Register your group or team and earn a free trail-gate spot for every 10 registered runners!!

VIP Parking

Park as close to the start/finish area as possible!  This option does not give you the extra space of the trail-gate area or entry into the contest  but reserves you a close up parking spot for easy entry and exit!

All events will be out and back from Gemini Springs Park in DeBary, FL. 

Full and Half Marathon routes will be on the Spring to Spring and Central Florida Regional multi-use trails and road along the shore of Lake Monroe.   Half and Full marathon runners will head east from Gemini on the paved trail into Deltona and the historic town of Enterprise, Fl.  Both Half and Full runners will turn onto Main St and then  Lakeshore Dr. to run along the shore of Lake Monroe (best spot for Mermaid sightings) then into Green Springs Park and get back on the trail and continue east.  Half runners will turn around near Fireman's Lane.  Full Runners will continue east on the trail in Osteen, cross over 415 using the pedestrian bridge continue onto Guise Rd and turn around at Guise Rd and 6th St.  Both routes return on the trail to finish at Gemini Springs Park.  

The 5K route will be and out and back heading west and north towards Lake Monroe Park on the Spring to Spring trail.

The start and finish line is the same for all events.  

Runners will be supported with aid stations every 1-2 miles offering water, electrolyte drink and gels.  All courses are completely flat.  

The full marathon course is USATF Certified FL24014JK and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Detailed course maps are at the bottom of the page. 

There are 10 water stops on the full marathon course.  Runners will go past each one 2X so effectively 20 water stops.  All will have water and Gatorade except water stop 1. Gu gels will be available at every other water stop starting with water stop 5 ~mile 5.75

There are 5 water stops on the half marathon course which runners will go past 2X so effectively 10 water stops.  All will have water and Gatorade except water stop 1.  Gu gels will be available at water stop 5 ~mile 5.75

The 5K will have 1 water stop that you will hit at Mile 1 and again at Mile 2.  

If you go to the course maps you can see where each water stop is located.  If you click on the water stop it will show you what is available at that stop.

Skunk Ape Full Marathon

Overall Male and Female winner

Overall Masters Male and Female winner

Top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, ,20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

Mermaid Half Marathon

Overall Male and Female winner

Overall Masters Male and Female winner

Top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, ,20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

Fountain of Youth 5K

Overall Male and Female winner

Overall Masters Male and Female winner

Top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 9 and under,10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

Meet Monroe -- Our Friendly Skunk Ape! and event Mascot!