From Drizzle to Determination: Olivia Medina’s Haunted 26.2 Marks Florida Marathon #5 of 51

Olivia Medina(MM7842) – Haunted 26.2 – Ocala, Florida
Florida Marathon #5 of 51 | October 4, 2025
This past Saturday, October 4th, 2025, I ran my fifth Florida marathon, Haunted 26.2 in Ocala, Florida. The race was hosted by US Road Running, a group I only learned about this weekend. The announcer mentioned they organize events across the country every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and that caught my attention immediately.
I realized I might’ve already crossed paths with them before last year’s Viking-themed race rings a bell. Back then, I didn’t think much of it. Funny how things come full circle.
Now, this race might not count as an official marathon under Marathon Maniac criteria only six of us ran the full distance, and the rule calls for at least fifteen finishers. But that didn’t matter to me. I still showed up, conquered the miles, and added another chapter to my personal challenge “The Chase for All Florida Marathons.”
The Course
The event took place at Baseline Trail Park, a beautiful, forest-lined bike path that felt both peaceful and secluded. The soft rustle of leaves and the quiet rhythm of my footsteps became the day’s soundtrack. There were several race distances 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon with only five of us brave (or maybe crazy) enough to tackle the full 26.2.
The course itself was straightforward: a 1.75-mile turnaround loop we’d complete eight times. I used the RaceJoy app for tracking and loved the little voice that chimed in after each loop, letting me know where I stood. At first, I tried to keep track myself counting laps in my head but somewhere along the way, I stopped. My body fell into rhythm, my mind drifted off, and I was just there, running.
The Moment of Rest
Someone at work recently asked me, “Olivia, when do you rest?”
I thought about that mid-race, smiling as the drizzle began to fall.
This is when I rest, I realized.
I rest when I run.
There’s something about being out there just me, the rain, and the road that brings me peace. The drizzle never turned into a downpour, just a steady, cool reminder that nature was running with me.
Fuel & Finish
My husband showed up around mile 16 just when I needed a lift and handed me an ice-cold Coca-Cola. That simple gesture powered me through the final miles. My race fuel lineup was simple: pickle juice, water, and a Honey Stinger peanut butter waffle. Sometimes, simplicity works best.
When I crossed the finish line, I found out I had placed 2nd overall out of five runners. Not bad for a small, local event. Hopefully, more participants will discover these USA Road Running races in the future so they can count toward official marathon lists.
Reflections
It might not have been a major race with cheering crowds and medals the size of dinner plates but it was mine. Another marathon done. Another trail explored. Another reminder that the journey is about showing up, even when no one’s watching.
Florida Marathon 5 of 51 complete.
On to the next one.

Photo and Post Credit Olivia Medina(MM7842)