Trail Races in texas

Trail running enthusiasts in Texas have access to a wide range of races, including ultra marathons and various distances such as 100 Miles, 100K, 50K, 50 miles, 26.2 miles, 30K, 20K, 10K, 5k and more. Thanks to several prominent trail running companies, including Blaze Trails Running, The Active Joe, Tejas Trails,Trail Racing Over Texas and Ultra Expeditions, runners can experience diverse landscapes and challenges across the state. From picturesque landscapes to rugged and technical trails, Texas provides an array of opportunities for trail runners to test their endurance and explore the great outdoors. 

Possum's Revenge Held in June at Possum Kingdom Lake, this Blaze Trails Running event offers a mix of technical single-track trails, jeep roads, and challenging terrain. With distances of 69K, 56K, 17.5M, and 8M, runners can choose the challenge that suits them best while taking in the scenic views. Link: https://blazetrails./blaze-trails-running/possums-revenge/ 

The Rockledge Rumble Trail Run Organized by Blaze Trails Running, this event offers 50K, 30K, and 15K distances and takes place on the challenging North Shore Trail along the shore of Lake Grapevine. The race features soft dirt paths, technical and rocky sections, and a steep wooden staircase near the finish. The event typically occurs in November. Link: https://rockledgerumble.com/ 

Blaze Trails Running also organizes the Coyote Trail Run, which is typically held in April at Cleburne State Park. The race offers challenging terrain, steep climbs, and beautiful scenery for participants to enjoy. The available distances for this event include 50 miles, 50K, 25K, 8 miles, and 4 miles, providing options for various skill levels. You can find more information about the Coyote Trail Run at https://blazetrails.com/blaze-trails-running/coyote-trail-run/.

Blaze Trails Running organizes another event called Possum's Revenge, which takes place in May. This race offers a diverse range of trails with stunning views of Possum Kingdom Lake. The course consists of various challenges, including rocks, roots, sand, climbs, and flat sections. Each loop of the course has approximately 1,460 feet of elevation gain. The available distances for Possum's Revenge include 69 miles, 52 miles, 56K, 17 miles, 8 miles, and 4 miles. For more information go here: https://blazetrails.com/blaze-trails-running/possums-revenge/

Blaze Trails Running organizes a night trail race in August called Blazin' Summer Sufferfest, which takes place in Cedar Hill State Park. The race features a 12-mile DORBA trail system, winding through over 1000 acres of forest and grasslands. The race has a 7:00 PM start time, with a 12-hour time limit. Runners in the 5K/10K will have about 60 minutes of full sunlight, while runners in the 18K/36K/54K will have about 90 minutes of full sunlight. The official website for the race is https://blazetrails.com/blaze-trails-running/blazin-summer-sufferfest-cedar-hill/ 

Dinosaur Valley Endurance Run The Active Joe organizes this race at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. With rolling and sustained ascents and descents, as well as amazing overlooks, the race takes place in November and offers distances of 5 Mile, 25K, 50K, 100K, and 100 Mile. Link: https://www.theactivejoe.com/dinosaurvalley

Monkey Butt Mayhem - Held in May, this fun and lighthearted race by The Active Joe takes place on the Cross Timbers Trail north of Dallas, TX. Featuring a monkey's butt on race shirts, finisher medals, and awards, the race offers a 3 Hour, 6 Hour, and 5 Mile option, as well as a cookie-only aid station. Link: https://www.theactivejoe.com/monkey-butt-mayhem

The Cross Timbers Trail Run is organized by The Active Joe and offers a 50K, half marathon, and 5-mile race. It is held on the rugged trails along the shoreline of Lake Texoma on the Texas side in March. This is the 42nd annual running of the event and all finishers receive a wooden finisher medal. The event offers race shirts, chip timing, and age group awards in each distance, as well as overall male and female awards. Find the link here: https://www.theactivejoe.com/crosstimbers 

Turkey TREK (5k, 10k) November  

Texas, Missouri & Florida

All participants in Holiday Races races will receive the following:

- First 100 Signups receive a custom race item such as a beanie, cup, etc. depending on the race

- Race Finisher Awards or for all finishers

- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place awards M & F

- Old Timer award (1st Place M&F Age 50+)

- DFL "Dead Freakin' Last" award

The Backland (Last Man Standing, 7K) December

Gordonville, Texas

The Backland is a last-man-standing trail race near the Texas and Oklahoma border. This race is run on a majority trail with a bit of road. Our motto is "Run Till You Can't".

Saint Nick's Run Fest (Charity 7K, 13K, 20K) December

Tyler, Texas

Saint Nick's Run Fest is run in the heart of Northeast Texas. The race will be set in the cool early morning along the trails of Lindsey park. The route is completely on dirt trail, so be prepared! The course is a bit hilly.

Cowboy YETI (7K, 20K, 40K, 60K, 100K + RUCK) January

Bastrop, Texas

 SURFACE: Dirt & rocky single track trails.
COURSE: Lost Pines Trail
ELEVATION: Hilly showing 800-foot elevation every 20K loop.
LOCATION: Refectory at Bastrop State Park (100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602)
WEATHER: Historic Average 50-56 degrees

North Texas Ultra (10K, 25K, 50K, 52 Miler, 100K) February 

Jacksboro, Texas

SURFACE:  Soft fine gravel, open wide trail.
COURSE: Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
ELEVATION: Relatively flat with gains and loss of 550ft every 15.5M loop.
LOCATION: North Park Unit (134 Trail Way Dr, Jacksboro, TX 76458)
WEATHER: Historic Average 35-60 degrees

Gainesville Marathon (5K, 10K, 13.1M) February 

Gainesville, Texas

The Gainesville Marathon features a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon starting at the Farmers Market. The run supports the North Texas Food Bank and raises funds for Christian Missionaries. The route passes through historic downtown Gainesville past the train station, vintage Gulf gas station, and down California Street and the courthouse, before looping through the scenic hills of Cooke County then finishing in Lenoard Park. Runners will enjoy views of local landmarks, open fields, and rolling terrain, with traffic managed by lane closures, patrol cars, and volunteers. 

Wildflower Trail Run - Organized by Trail Racing Over Texas, this event takes place in May at Bastrop State Park. The challenging course, featuring single-track trails and jeep roads, winds through a scenic pine forest with beautiful wildflowers. Distances include 5k, 7M, Half, 25k, Full, 50k https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/wildflower 

Brazos Bend - Trail Racing Over Texas organizes this event in April at Brazos Bend State Park. Known for its flat and fast course, the race is beginner-friendly and offers distances of 50M, 50K, 25K, and 10K. Link: https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/brazos-50 

Habanero Hundred - Held in August at 7IL Ranch in Cat Spring, this Trail Racing Over Texas race challenges runners to complete their chosen distance in the intense Texas summer heat. With a festive atmosphere and distances of 100M, 100K, 50K, 30K, 20K, and 10K, runners can test their limits and endurance. Link: https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/habanero 

Jackalope Jam - This timed loop race, organized by Trail Racing Over Texas, takes place in February at 7IL Ranch in Cat Spring. Runners can choose from 72H, 48H, 24H, 12H , and 6H time frames, completing as many laps as possible within their chosen period. The race encourages a supportive atmosphere, with all participants sharing the same course. Link: https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/jackalope 

HOKA Rocky Raccoon 100 Endurance Trail Race and HOKA Rocky 50 Trail Race Organized by Tejas Trails, these races take place in February at Huntsville State Park. The mostly flat and fast course caters to both beginners and experienced runners. With distances of 100 miles and 50 miles, participants can push their limits while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. 100 Miler link: https://www.tejastrails.com/rocky100 50 Miler link: https://www.tejastrails.com/rocky50

HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race Tejas Trails hosts this race in January at the Hill Country State Natural Area. Known as the "Jewel of Texas Trail Racing," the event features challenging rocky terrain and breathtaking scenery. Distances include 100K, 50K, and 25K, providing options for various skill levels. Link: https://www.tejastrails.com/bandera 

Capt'n Karl's Night Trail Series This unique series of night trail races, organized by Tejas Trails, takes place between June and August at four different Texas Hill Country venues. With distances of 60K, 30K, and 10K, participants can experience the thrill of navigating trails under the moonlight. Link: https://www.tejastrails.com/captnkarls 

Cactus Rose Held in October at Hill Country State Natural Area, this Tejas Trails race is known for its rugged and challenging course, featuring rocky terrain and steep climbs. The self-supported race offers distances of 100M, 50M, and Marathon, requiring runners to carry their supplies. Link: https://www.tejastrails.com/cactusrose

Piney Woods Trail Fest  - Held in October at Lake Houston Wilderness Park, this Ultra Expeditions race offers a mix of pine forest, hardwood bottomlands, and scenic lake views. The well-marked course is suitable for beginners and experienced trail runners alike, with distances of 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K. Link: https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/piney-woods-ultra

Ultra Expeditions presents the Oktoberfest Trail Run,an annual event held in October on the Chaparral Trail in Farmersville, Texas. The race offers a range of distances, including 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50k. The Chaparral Trail, a converted railroad, spans over 35 miles and provides a beautiful backdrop for the race. Runners will race on a combination of paved and crushed-stone trail, crossing bridges and taking in scenic views of prairies and farmland. This out-and-back course is held under a canopy of trees, ensuring a comfortable running experience. Learn more about the event and register at https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/oktoberfest-trail-run-festival

Texas offers a plethora of trail running experiences through the diverse races organized by Blaze Trails Running, The Active Joe, Tejas Trails, Trail Racing Over Texas, and Ultra Expeditions. With distances ranging from ultra marathons, including 100 Miles, 100K, 50 miles to shorter events like 50K, 30K, 26.2 miles 20K, 10K and 5k, there's a trail race to suit every runner's skill level and preference. 

So, lace up your trail shoes, choose your next adventure, and discover the thrill of conquering the diverse and breathtaking trails that the Lone Star State has to offer. Texas truly is a trail runner's haven, providing unique and unforgettable experiences for those who seek adventure and a connection to nature. Whether you're a seasoned ultra marathoner or a newcomer to the world of trail running, there's no better time to embrace the challenge and explore the scenic beauty of Texas' trails. With the support of these outstanding trail running companies, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your next trail running journey and create lasting memories on the trails of Texas.