Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
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Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
The Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race takes place at the Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera, Texas. The event is designed around a self-support style, emphasizing rugged and technical terrain with a course that minimizes flat sections. The route features a main 25 mile loop characterized by rocks and local flora like sotol cactus.
Participants can choose from a wide range of distances and categories:
- 100 mi
- 50 mi
- 25 mi
- 5 mi
- 25 mi Ruck
- 5 mi Ruck
- Youth 1 mi
The course involves approximately 2,500 feet of elevation change per 25 mile lap. Multi-lap participants alternate directions, running clockwise for the first and third laps, and counter-clockwise for the second and fourth laps. The Ruck division requires participants to carry weighted packs (20 lbs for those under 150 lbs, and 30 lbs for those over 150 lbs) without the use of trekking poles.
The race utilizes a self-support model where runners or their crews place drop bags and ice chests at designated aid station areas. The organization provides water and ice at these locations, and participants are required to sign in at each station during their laps. All races are chip timed using ankle straps, with official rankings determined by gun time. 100 mile participants may use pacers after the second lap, while 50 mile runners may have pacers after dark. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
