CLERMONT, Fla. – A popular Lake County running trail will close this summer due to construction.

For Jill Swidler, no other path in the area compares to Clermont’s 10 Mile Clay Loop. 

“Running on the clay gives your body a less hard running surface and so your legs feel better, your feet feel better,” Swidler said.

And Swidler says the scenery is another bonus. 

“You’ve got cows going by, sometimes you see wild turkeys. The hills make the sunrises beautiful when you’re out here running in the morning,” she said.

The hills and clay surface attract runners from every level.

“High school running cross country teams, all the way up to Olympic runners and people are just so friendly,” Swidler said.

This area will be changing soon. Construction on a nearby development will begin at the end of the summer, closing Schofield Road and the 10 Mile Clay Loop to the runners.

Kimberly Grogan, president of South Lake Multisport Events, also had to move up the annual Clermont Clay Trail 15k race from October to August. 

“We did open up a 5K, which some people from the 15K switched to the 5K because of not being trained quite for the distance and then for the heat and humidity of that day,” Grogan said.

The race will be capped at 1,200 runners and Grogan hopes everyone can join the celebration of ‘The Last Loop.’ 

“I encourage everyone who knows it to come out and run the last loop before they start paving,” Grogan said. “Take the pictures, do all the things, have a champagne brunch afterwards because it is a special place and we will miss it.”

According to Lake County, a portion of the clay surface may remain after construction, something that the runners say they’re happy about.

“Even if it’s an out-and-back, still have a nice soft surface with some hills and some beautiful landscape to run on,” Grogan said.

Swidler says she’s looking forward to the race next month and she’ll miss the camaraderie and tradition of the area. 

“Hopefully after the construction’s done, we’ll put the word out and the community can start running out here again, but it’ll certainly be missed in Lake County and throughout the running community,” Swidler said.

The race will now be taking place on Sunday, August 8 and proceeds will go toward endurance venues in South Lake County. To sign up for the race, visit the registration page.