Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
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Event
The Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race takes place October 23-25, 2026 at Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera, TX 78003. The event is capped at 500 total runners. The race is organized with limited on-course volunteer support and medical staff on site; runners are expected to be largely self-sufficient.
Distances
- 100 mi
- 50 mi
- 25 mi
- 25 mi Ruck
- 5 mi
- 5 mi Ruck
- Youth 1 mi (12 & under)
Course and race logistics
The event uses a main 25-mile loop with a 5-mile shortcut for the shorter race. Multi-lap races run clockwise for Lap 1, counter-clockwise for Lap 2, and alternate thereafter. Expect about 2,500 feet of elevation change per lap. Terrain is rocky with sotol cactus and mostly climbing or descending; only a few flatter miles occur near the Boyles Aid Station. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrows, confidence markers, and high-grade reflectors for night hours. Course markings are not color-coded by distance; signs at junctions indicate distance-specific turns.
Aid stations provide water and ice; the event is cupless so runners must bring a cup or bottle (collapsible cups available for purchase at packet pickup). Runners may place drop bags and ice chests near aid stations; Boyles Aid Station requires a roughly half-mile out-and-back on foot. Runners must sign in at aid stations except YaYa and Nachos on Lap 1 only. Cutoffs begin at aid stations for the 100-mile field.
Chip timing is used; ankle-worn chips are issued at the venue and must be returned if a runner leaves. Pacers and ruck-division rules, weight requirements, and other race policies are enforced as published. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
