There is probably no long-distance race anything like the inaugural Everglades Ultras slated for Jan. 21. As many as 100 runners are expected to dash through Florida’s largest state park, the 80,000-acre Fakahatchee Strand, covering distances of 50 miles, 50 kilometers (31 miles) and 25 kilometers (15.6 miles) in a wilderness unlike any other.

As the racers trot along old rail tramways and fire trails past swamps and sloughs and through woodlands and prairies, they may pass bears, alligators, panthers and birds and take in the ambience of the world’s largest repository of orchids, ferns and bromeliads.

“It’s unique,” race director Bob Becker said. “It’s actually going to be pretty cool.”

Until last spring, Becker — who put on an ultra race from Key Largo to Key West — had never heard of the Fakahatchee, located off SR 29 between I-75 and Tamiami Trail. But when a couple of racers suggested he check it out, “it seemed like it could be really exciting and really different,” he said.

Since then, Becker has enlisted the help of park officials and the Friends of Fakahatchee booster organization to lay out each loop race course and work on logistics. He said the race would not trample any sensitive animal or plant life.

“It will be a ‘leave-no-trace-behind’ kind of thing,” Becker said.

Aid stations staffed by volunteers will be about 5 miles apart. Racers will be given whistles in case they run into trouble between aid stations. Park rangers on ATVs will roam the area, listening for distress whistles. The start and finish line will be located about a quarter-mile from the park office in rural Copeland. Each race has a cut-off time so no one is running around the park overnight. Volunteers will conduct activities for the runners’ friends and families.

All participants will receive a T-shirt and finisher medal. The overall male, female and masters’ (over 40) winners get a wooden walking stick trophy.

• More information: evergladesultras.com.