Hells Hills Trail Race
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Event overview
Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas (578 FM 153, Smithville, TX 78957). The event offers multiple distances:
- 50 mile
- 50 km
- 25 km
- 10 km
- 25 km Ruck
- 10 km Ruck
- Youth 1-Mile Trail Run (ages 1–12; untimed, finisher medal)
Registration pricing is listed per event. The shirt cutoff date is March 10.
Course, support and rules
Course formats: the 50 km is run as two laps (about 15.5 miles per lap) and the 50 mile as three laps (about 16.67 miles per lap); the 25 km and 10 km use a single loop. The route includes short, steep hills and frequent rolling ups-and-downs, with single-track trails, stream crossings, pine trees, bridges, and wildflower fields. Course wayfinding uses orange caution tape, yellow arrows, confidence markers and reflectors for low-light conditions; signs indicate splits for different distances.
Aid: there are two full on-course aid stations plus the start/finish “Saloon,” a self-support station and a temporary 10k water/snack station. Supplies are placed roughly every 2.8–4.5 miles. The event is cupless; participants must carry a cup or bottle. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish area only; no on-course drop-bag delivery.
Timing and starts: events use chip timing (ankle strap). Results show both gun time and chip time; official rankings use gun time. Mass starts are used per distance.
Special divisions and logistics
Ruck division requires a weighted ruck: 20 lb if under 150 lb, 30 lb if 150 lb or over; weight must be carried on the back and is subject to mandatory weigh-ins. Pacers are allowed under specified rules (one pacer at a time; pacers must register and meet start/finish aid-station requirements). Awards include Top 3 male/female and Top Masters male/female (50+). Camping is available onsite at Rocky Hill Ranch. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
