Franklin Mountains Trail Runs
El Paso, United States • 24-25 Jan 2026
Event overview
The Franklin Mountains Trail Runs take place January 24-25, 2026 in Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, El Paso, TX. The event is organized by the Human Potential Running Series. The courses travel from the desert floor to the summit area of North Franklin Peak and return to the finish. The summit of North Franklin Peak reaches about 7,192 feet, roughly 3,000 feet above the city. Runner capacity is listed as 250 participants for each day.
Distances and formats
- 12-Hour
- 55k
- 30k
- Half Marathon
- 10k
- 5k
- King/Queen of the Mountain
The King/Queen event requires runners to reach the peak and return, uses a bracelet to verify summit, has a 5-hour time limit, covers about 3-8 miles, and has no aid stations. The 12-Hour event uses a loop-draw system: runners select colored balls to determine loops, complete loops repeatedly, and accumulate miles over the race period.
Logistics and safety
Included with entry are a gender-specific race shirt, a finisher's medal, and State Park entry fee. Courses include aid stations and drop bag options for certain distances; some aid and drop-bag locations vary by distance. The race takes place in a desert mountain environment with scree and exposed sections; runners are advised to carry adequate water (capacity for 6-7 miles) and plan to exit at aid stations if withdrawing. Permits from Franklin Mountains State Park and Texas Parks & Wildlife are in place. Online registration opens October 1, 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.