Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race

Event details

The Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race takes place October 23-25, 2026 at Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera, Texas. Distances offered include:

• 5 mi
• 25 mi
• 50 mi
• 100 mi
• 5 mi ruck
• 25 mi ruck
• youth 1 mi

Mass starts are used per distance and an open start option is available. Results show both Gun Time and Chip Time. All races are chip timed; chips are issued on race morning and must be worn on the ankle.

Course, aid stations and rules

The race uses a main 25 mile loop with a 5 mile shortcut; multi-lap events alternate lap direction so laps 1 and 3 are clockwise and laps 2 and 4 are counter-clockwise. Expect about 2,500 feet of elevation change per lap and predominantly rocky terrain with sotol cactus. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrows, and reflective markers for dark hours.

Aid stations provide ice, water, hand sanitizer, and space for runners to place personal drop bags and ice chests near aid station tents. Runners must sign in at each aid station and follow posted cutoffs for 100 mile entrants. The ruck division requires mandatory backpack weights based on body weight, pre-race weigh in, and no trekking poles. Pacers are allowed under stated rules and must register. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.