Franklin Mountains Trail Runs

Event overview

The Franklin Mountains Trail Runs take place in Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, in El Paso, Texas. The event includes multiple race options:

• 12-Hour
• 55k
• 30k
• King & Queen of the Mountain
• Half Marathon
• 10k
• 5k

Runner capacity is listed as 250 for Saturday and 250 for Sunday. The race venue uses primitive camping without water. The organizer provides a state park entry fee, a gender specific race shirt, and a finisher's medal as included items (availability of shirts and awards may be limited for late registrations).

Race details and logistics

Courses start and finish at the Tom May's Unit and travel from the desert floor to the summit of North Franklin Peak. The summit is listed at 7,192 feet, about 3,000 feet above the city. Runners can circumnavigate the mountain; summit views include nearby mountain ranges and the Mexico border. Aid stations are described as well stocked; drop bags are allowed at the pavilion aid station with additional drop locations for some distances.

Specific event rules include: the King & Queen race requires runners to summit and return within a 5-hour limit, covers roughly 3-8 miles, and has no aid stations; competitors use a bracelet to verify the summit. The 12-Hour event assigns colored loops by random draw and allows repeated loops for up to 12 hours. Mid-race drop-down options exist for the 10k and 30k at the 5k point. Spectators are limited to the start/finish area. The event is run under permits from the state park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.