Hells Hills Trail Race
Smithville, United States • 4 Apr 2026
Event overview
The Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas (578 FM 153). The event offers multiple distances and divisions, including a youth run for ages 1-12. Races are chip timed with ankle chips; results show both gun time and chip time. Pacers are allowed under specific rules: one pacer on the final lap for 50-mile entrants, and runners age 60 and older may have a pacer for their entire 50K or 50-mile race. Top overall and masters finishers receive awards. Packet pickup, pre-race briefings, and on-site camping are provided at the race venue. The shirt order cutoff is March 10.
- 50 miles
- 50 km
- 25 km
- 10 km
- 25 km Ruck
- 10 km Ruck
- Youth 1 mile
Course and logistics
Course layouts use laps: the 10K and 25K are one loop; the 50K is two laps of about 15.5 miles; the 50-mile is three laps of about 16.67 miles. The route includes short steep hills, single-track trails, bridges, stream crossings, pine tree sections, and fields of wildflowers. Course markings include caution tape, directional arrows, and confidence markers; some markings include reflectors for low-light navigation. Aid station support includes two full aid stations plus the start/finish station and a self-support station; supplies are available roughly every 2.8 to 4.5 miles. The event is cupless; runners must carry their own water bottle or collapsible cup to receive fluids. The Ruck division has mandatory weights and weigh-ins, and rules on acceptable gear and pack placement. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.