Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
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Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race
The Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race takes place October 23-25, 2026 at Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003. The event offers multiple distances and a youth run, and it uses the park terrain for lap-based trail courses.
Distances:
- 5 mi
- 25 mi
- 50 mi
- 100 mi
- 5 mi ruck
- 25 mi ruck
- Youth 1 mi
The course is built around a main 25 mile loop with a 5 mile shortcut. Single-lap races run clockwise. Multi-lap races alternate direction: laps 1 and 3 clockwise, laps 2 and 4 counter-clockwise. Expect about 2,500 feet of elevation change per lap and mostly rocky terrain with sotol cactus; only a few short flatter sections exist near the Boyles aid station.
Course navigation is marked with orange caution tape, yellow arrows, and many confidence markers; reflectors are used for night hours. The event is cupless, so runners must carry a cup or bottle for aid station service. Leave No Trace rules apply: littering or leaving human waste is prohibited.
There are five aid stations that provide ice, water, and hand sanitizer. Runners may place drop bags and ice chests near aid stations; Boyles is a half mile hike from vehicle access. The Ruck Division requires mandatory weighed packs (20 lb under 150 lb, 30 lb over 150 lb), weigh-ins, and no trekking poles. Chip timing uses an ankle chip; results include gun time and chip time. A youth 1 mile course is untimed and awards a finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
