Brazos Bend 50

Brazos Bend 50

Brazos Bend 50 is a trail running event held at Brazos Bend State Park in Needville, TX, south of Houston and Sugar Land. The event in April features multiple race distances with the marquee event being the 50 mile. The 2026 50 kilometer event is the RRCA Texas State Championships.

Distances

• 5 km
• 10 km
• 25 km
• 50 km
• 50 mile

The course is 99.9% flat with a single small hill of about 10 feet. Surfaces include hard crushed rock, soft hiking trails under tree canopy, and easy horse trails. Trails are clearly marked but participants are expected to know their loop and follow on-course signage.

All races start and finish at Elm Lake Pavilion. Course layouts: the 50 mile is three laps including Horseshoe Lake and an out-and-back to Sawmill; the 50 km is two laps; the 25 km and 10 km use shorter loop variations; the 5 km is a short Elm Lake loop with a causeway out-and-back.

Aid support includes three fully stocked aid stations and one unmanned water station. Runners must carry personal hydration; there are no cups at aid stations. Drop bags for 50 mile runners are handled at Sawmill and Elm Lake with post-event return; unclaimed bags are held for two weeks. Pacers and crew have specific rules: pacers are allowed only on the final lap of the 50 mile and must remain with their runner. Special events park passes and camping rules apply for visitors and participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.