Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
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About the race
Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race is a multi-distance trail event held October 23–25, 2026 at Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera, Texas. Distances offered include:
- 5 mi
- 25 mi
- 50 mi
- 100 mi
- 5 mi ruck
- 25 mi ruck
- Youth 1 mi
The event uses a main 25-mile loop with a 5-mile shortcut. Multi-lap races run clockwise on laps 1 and 3 and counter-clockwise on laps 2 and 4. Expect roughly 2,500 feet of elevation change per lap and a rocky route with sotol cactus, with very little sustained flat terrain.
Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrow signs, confidence markers, and reflective elements for night navigation. Markings are not color-coded by distance; signs at intersections indicate where shorter routes split from the main loop.
Aid stations provide water and ice and require runners to bring their own reusable cup. Participants may place personal drop bags and ice chests near aid stations; two stations are off-road access - Boyles is about a half mile hike from the Group Lodge and YaYa is set slightly off the main road. Competitors must sign in at aid stations except for YaYa and Nachos on lap 1 only. Cutoffs begin at mile 50 for the 100-mile field.
The ruck division has mandatory weights: 20 lb for under 150 lb and 30 lb for over 150 lb. Weight must be non-consumable, carried on the back, and verified at weigh-in. Pacers are allowed under event rules with specified entry points and registration requirements. All races are chip timed with ankle straps; gun time is used for official results. The event follows Leave No Trace principles and enforces a cupless policy; littering can result in disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
