Hit the Trails

Trail running sounds like a simple practice. In essence, it is a sport that requires only determination, a pair of good-fitting shoes, and exercise attire, but there are nuances and learning curves. Consider how a foot lands on uneven ground or how to navigate miles of Emerald Coast trails to find a good place to take the first step. 

Here’s a guide on how to get started with trail running across the region. 

Photos by Flying T Photography

Pensacola

Pensacola running coach Mark Riggs, 48, has been running the Florida Gulf Coast for over 15 years. His passion began as it does for a lot of people—with a 5k walk-run program. From there, he began to meet others in the running community who inspired different routes and races. 

This led to him running his first trail race in Milton. The night before the race, rain poured down. The trail cleared out, and Riggs wondered whether the race would happen. It did. 

“There were sections where you were kind of knee deep in water, running down this trail. I just thought it was cool. It was the coolest thing in the world,” he says. 

“Now I coach runners—people who want to get into the sport and people who have been in the sport for a while.” 

His advice to new runners is to slow things down and start with a walking routine if they aren’t used to being physically active. 

“There’s a big social element with running. There are apps where people can see people’s paces …. For some people, there’s a pressure to go fast or whatever. But you need to check the ego and know that what you’re doing is building something bigger down the road.” 

Riggs recommends that people walk trails first to get used to uneven ground. He also said to avoid the headphones but to bring a phone or GPS device for safety when out in the woods.  

The Blackwater River State Park, the University of West Florida campus, and Bear Lake in Munson are all good places to find some trails. To find races and community, try the Pensacola Runners Association. 

Panama City Beach 

Joe Edgecombe, 77, of Panama City, has been running trails for about 40 years and is still going strong. While reflecting on his time trekking through woods and swamplands, Edgecombe remarked on how running has helped him get in touch with nature. 

“Trail running’s really just about being outdoors,” he said.

Many new runners make the mistake of being too ambitious, running long distances without training for them. That’s how injuries happen.

His advice: “Take what the course gives you. It doesn’t have to be an all-out race. Trails are something like a gift. Get out there. It’s okay to walk; it’s okay to jog … get out there, and be one with nature.”

At the same time, the community is what makes this isolated sport so special for Edgecombe. 

“It’s like a family, an extended family,” he says, adding that he’s seen a lot of elite trail runners wait at the finish line to cheer on new runners. This is unique, he says.  

The running community at large has increasingly migrated to digital spaces, where Edgecombe recommends people seek out local clubs like his own, Draggin’ Tail Runners Club.

Things have changed since he began in the sport, Edgecombe says. It’s become more recreational, which has helped with accessibility. There are more races and trails and more resources to find them.

Edgecombe recommends Crooked Creek Trailhead, Conservation Park, and Torreya State Park for those who want to venture farther inland. 

Gear 

Trail running shoes with more tread can help with grip in less managed areas, and a toecap can help prevent injuries when climbing boulders. 

Gear is often about preference and goals. There’s no need to spend $200 on a pair of shoes if you’re putting in a few miles a week, but extra tread can be beneficial on rocky or sandy trails. A running water bottle can be essential in some of the more secluded areas. 

When it comes to exploring those new trails and parks, check the state websites for maps as well as apps like Strava and AllTrails. While it’s recommended to let someone know before venturing out, GPS watches and phones can help with navigation.