Welcome to the 8-Hours of Berm
Right in the heart of Florida in the beautiful and historic Ross Prairie. You'll run through longleaf pine forests, as well as oak hammocks and dry prairies while running through the infamous Berm Loop section of the Skunk Ape 100 Mile Endurance Run course. This conservation land was acquired in 1995 through the Conservation and Recreation Lands with funds from the Preservation 2000 Act. No DNFs. No cutoffs. Just you, the course, and a chance to go further than ever before. You won’t need a crew. You won’t need a pacer. You will need every ounce of grit you’ve got.
The Deets
- Date: August 15th, 2026
- Where: Ross Prairie Trailhead
- Address: 10660 SW State Rd 200, Dunnellon, FL 34432
- Start time: 8:30 am
- Event Type: 8-Hour Timed Event
- Loop Distance: 6.5 Miles
- Elevation Gain: +135'
- Bib Pick-Up: August 15th, opens at 6am.
The Course
It's called the BERM for a reason! Florida’s fire lines (or berms) are often cut through flatwoods or scrubland, where the soil is light and sandy. This creates fantastic forest roads for us to enjoy. It's like going to the beach... only in the middle of a forest! These Berms are cleared for visibility, which means little to no tree canopy. You'll get it all - From deep sand to not as deep sand, overgrown forest roads, exposed stretches, and some awesome real trails. The Berm is challenging both mentally and physically. It's a mix of natural resistance training and wildland adventure.
Course Map: https://caltopo.com/m/BUNC805
Aid Stations and Self-Crewing
We are really excited to be able to host this event at the Ross Prairie Trailhead because they are set up for this and have a bathhouse on site! We don’t want this to be a “come run your race and leave” sort of event and we’ll have everything you need to stay and enjoy the day! You'll be able to set up all your 10x10 tents to self-crew and do your self-aid if you desire. You'll get the map of where all of that will be located in race emails! Be courteous to other park users, pedestrians, bike riders, campers, and drivers. They take priority over you.
Camping
Ross Prairie Campground- If you plan to spend the night on Friday, or even Saturday after running... the Ross Prairie Campground is the way to go! Ross Prairie is a full-service campground with 14 sites, each available with 30- and 50-amp electrical pedestals as well as potable water hookups. Picnic pavilions, a dump station and a bathhouse are available in the campground. https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web/#!park/58
Combat Racing
Combat Racing has taken reigns of the 8-Hours of Berm after its inaugural year with Skunk Ape Events. Combat Racing is a Veteran Owned and Operated Small Business dedicated to bringing high-quality, challenging, and unforgettable trail and ultra marathon events to the endurance running community. Founded and operated by Joe Miller, a proud U.S. military veteran with a deep passion for the trails and a relentless commitment to excellence, Combat Racing is quickly become a staple name in the Florida trail running scene. Combat Racing isn’t just about races—it’s about community. Joe Miller has built Combat Racing with the same values that drive trail runners: resilience, camaraderie, and respect for the land. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner looking to test your limits or a trail newcomer ready for your first big adventure, you’ll find a home at Combat Racing.
