Cow Ford 50 miler

WELCOME TO JACKSONVILLE'S FIRST EVER 50+ MILES URBAN ULTRAMARATHON. This event is an exploration of the city's history, waterways, and neighborhoods. The course is composed of five distinct segments, each with its own character and story, forming a continuous narrative from historic neighborhoods to the Urban Core finish. WHY JACKSONVILLE WAS CALLED "COWFORD" In the 18th Century, the narrow point of the ST. John's River near present-day Downtown became a natural place to DRIVE CATTLE ACROSS THE RIVER. Rancher's from the south and west moved cows here to cross towards markets and ports. Because of this practical use, the settlement earned the informal name "COW FORD" later shortened to COWFORD. Though modest in origin, this crossing point laid the foundation for Jacksonville's role as a transportation and commercial hub. FROM COWFORD TO JACKSONVILLE In 1822, the settlement was renamed Jacksonville in honor of Andrew Jackson, then military governor of the Florida Territory and later the 7th President of the United States. The city grew rapidly due to: - Its river access to the Atlantic Ocean - Rail connections that followed earlier trade routes - Its role as a gateway between Florida's interior and global markets WHY THIS EVENT MATTERS This Ultramarathon is more than a test of endurance. It is: - A celebration of Jacksonville's diverse neighborhoods and history - A demonstration of how running can activate public space - A model for future large-scale urban endurance events in the Northeast Florida Region Thank you for being part of Jacksonville running history!! RUN FAR, RUN THE CITY, RUN HISTORY