Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race

Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race

Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race takes place October 23 to 25, 2026 at Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera, Texas. The event offers multiple trail distances and separate ruck divisions plus a youth one mile race.

Distances offered:

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

The course uses a main 25 mile loop with a 5 mile shortcut. Multi lap races alternate direction: laps 1 and 3 clockwise, laps 2 and 4 counter clockwise. Expect about 2500 feet of elevation change per lap. Trails are rocky and include sotol cactus; most sections are climbing or descending with only a few flatter miles near Boyles Aid Station. Boyles requires about a half mile hike from the group lodge and is not driveable.

Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow directional arrows, hundreds of confidence markers and reflectors for night running so navigation is usually straightforward. This is a cupless event; runners must bring a cup or bottle. Aid stations provide ice, water and hand sanitizer. Runners must sign in at aid stations as directed; drop bags may be placed near aid station tents but not inside the main tent.

Ruck rules require mandatory weigh in and a specific minimum weight based on body weight. Chip timing uses ankle chips that must be returned if a runner leaves the course. Pacers and cutoff policies apply for longer distances as described by the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.