Trail Races in texas

Discover the Best Trail Running Races in Dallas-Fort Worth and Across Texas

From the rocky technical terrain of North Texas to the pine forests of East Texas and the coastal beaches of the Gulf, the Lone Star State offers some of the most diverse and challenging trail running in the country. Whether you're chasing your first 5K on dirt or tackling a grueling 100-miler, Texas trail races deliver year-round opportunities to test your limits and explore stunning landscapes.

Dallas-Fort Worth trail runners have exceptional access to world-class events right in their backyard—from the technical challenges of Marion Sansom Park's Panther City Ultra to the legendary Rockledge Rumble along Lake Grapevine's North Shore Trail. But the adventure doesn't stop at the metroplex. Within a few hours' drive, you'll find iconic races like Rocky Raccoon in Huntsville, the punishing hills of Bandera, and beach ultras along the Gulf Coast.

This comprehensive guide covers the premier trail running races across Texas, organized by the state's top race directors including Blaze Trails Running, Rise Racing, The Active Joe, Trail Racing Over Texas, Tejas Trails, Texas Outlaw Running, and Ultra Expeditions. Whether you're searching for your next ultra marathon, a beginner-friendly trail 5K, or anything in between, you'll find detailed information on course profiles, distances, locations, and what makes each race unique.

Ready to discover your next Texas trail running adventure? Let's dive in.

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.com/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/ 

Alamo City Ultra: San Antonio's Trail Challenge

When: February
Where: Eisenhower Park, San Antonio, TX
Distances: 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K (Run or Ruck)

Looking for a technical trail race in the heart of Texas? The Alamo City Ultra delivers with a challenging course featuring 425 feet of elevation gain per loop through Eisenhower Park's natural terrain. Expect plenty of rocks and roots to keep you honest, with portions on greenway trails leading to the finish.

With a 400-runner cap, this intimate event offers multiple distance options whether you're testing your ultra legs on the 50K or looking for a quick 5K trail shakeout. The ruck option adds an extra challenge for those wanting to push their limits. 

Link: https://www.riseracingco.com/alamo-city-ultra 

Panther City Ultra: Fort Worth's Trail Showdown 

When: April
Where: Marion Sansom Park, Fort Worth, TX
Distances: 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K

Fort Worth's trail running scene gets its spotlight with the Panther City Ultra at Marion Sansom Park. This multi-loop format keeps the aid station game strong while letting you tackle everything from a quick 5K to a full 50K ultra.

Race Day Schedule:

• 50K: 6:00 AM (5 loops)
• 25K: 7:00 AM (3 loops)
• 10K: 7:30 AM (2 loops)
• 5K: 8:00 AM (1 loop)

Marion Sansom's trails offer a mix of terrain that'll test your technical skills while staying close to the DFW metro. The staggered start times mean you'll see runners across all distances out on course, creating solid race-day energy.

Link: https://www.riseracingco.com/panther-city-ultra 

Gulf Coast Grind: Texas Beach Ultra

When: April
Where: Surfside Beach, TX
Distances: 100K, 50K, 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K (Run or Ruck + 100K Relay)

Trade the trails for hard-packed sand at the Gulf Coast Grind, where your race unfolds along the Texas coastline. This is beach running at its finest—out-and-back routes on Surfside Beach with ocean views and the kind of scenery that makes the miles disappear (or at least more bearable).

Race Day Schedule:

• 100K: 6:00 AM (6 loops, 5-mile out-and-back)
• 50K: 7:00 AM (3 loops, 5-mile out-and-back)
• 26.2M: 7:30 AM (6.55-mile out-and-back x2)
• 13.1M: 8:00 AM (6.55-mile out-and-back)
• 10K: 8:30 AM (3.1-mile out-and-back)
• 5K: 8:30 AM (1.55-mile out-and-back)

The hard-packed sand offers a unique surface that's easier on the joints than pavement but still demands respect. Perfect for runners looking to mix up their race calendar or tackle a 100K relay with friends.

Link: https://www.riseracingco.com/gulf-coast-grind

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

Your Texas Trail Running Journey Starts Here

Texas trail running offers something truly special—a year-round racing calendar that spans every distance, terrain type, and challenge level imaginable. From the DFW metroplex to the Hill Country, from coastal beaches to East Texas pine forests, the Lone Star State has established itself as a premier destination for trail runners of all abilities.

For Dallas-Fort Worth runners, the local trail racing scene continues to grow with events like Panther City Ultra, Rockledge Rumble, Coyote Trail Run, and Blazin' Summer Sufferfest providing technical challenges and community right in your backyard. But don't stop there—some of the country's most iconic ultra marathons like HOKA Rocky Raccoon 100, HOKA Bandera, and Cactus Rose are just a short road trip away.

Whether you're targeting your first trail 5K, training for a 50K ultra, or ready to tackle a 100-miler, Texas race directors have created experiences that will push your limits while showcasing the state's incredible natural beauty. The supportive trail running community, well-marked courses, and professionally organized events make Texas an ideal place to chase your trail running goals.

What's your next race? Browse the events above, mark your calendar, and join thousands of runners who have discovered that everything really is bigger in Texas—including the trail running adventure. See you on the trails!

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