Great Springs Trail Race - San Marcos
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Great Springs Trail Race - San Marcos
The event takes place on January 23, 2027 at Purgatory Creek Natural Area, 2116 Hunter Rd, San Marcos, TX. Distances offered include:
- 10K
- 13.1 miles
- 26.2 miles
- Youth 1 mile
The main route is a well marked 13.1 mile loop. The 10K follows the same loop with a turnaround at the Dreamers aid station. Trails include single track sections, wider speedy stretches, rolling hills, and rocky limestone surfaces, with a slight downhill finish on the loop.
Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrows on stakes and trees, and many confidence markers; reflective markers are used for darker conditions. Signs at junctions will show which way to go for each distance. Pacers are not allowed.
This is a cupless event: runners must bring a cup or water bottle. Collapsible cups may be purchased at packet pickup for $7 cash or Venmo; the merchandise tent accepts cards later. Littering can cause disqualification; fruit peels and leaving toilet paper are treated as trash and must be packed out.
Aid station support includes three on course stations, one at the start/finish and one accessible to crew at the Upper Purgatory Trailhead. All stations provide water and Tailwind; the start/finish and the midcourse station offer additional snacks and drinks. Drop bags are allowed at the Flow aid station; spectator access is available near mile 6.9.
The race uses chip timing with ankle straps collected on race morning and returned after finishing. If a runner leaves the course they must turn in their chip. Runners who do not finish may receive a finisher medal but will be recorded as DNF and are not eligible for awards.
The organizer may cancel the event if conditions are very wet per the city of San Marcos; a backup date will be scheduled within one month and refunds will not be provided if a participant cannot attend the backup date.
Parking near the lower trailhead is minimal; limited drop off space will be available. Additional parking is provided at the Hays County Elections Office and at Hernandez Elementary School. Volunteers receive park and camping fee coverage if required, food, event swag, and volunteer hours that can be exchanged for future race entries. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
