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, Smithville, TX 78957). The event offers multiple distances:
- 50 miles
- 50 km
- 25 km
- 10 km
- 25 km Ruck
- 10 km Ruck
- Youth 1-mile (untimed, ages 1–12)
Races use a looped format: the 10 km and 25 km are one lap, the 50 km is two laps of about 15.5 miles, and the 50 mile is three laps of about 16.67 miles. Camping is available onsite at Rocky Hill Ranch.
Course, support, and rules
The course is single-track trail with bridges, stream crossings, pine trees, and short steep hills; some sections allow longer running strides through fields and pines. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrow signs, and confidence markers; reflectors are used for dark-hour sections. Aid support includes two full on-course aid stations plus the start/finish station, a self-support grab-and-go station, and an additional temporary water/snack station positioned for the 10 km. Supplies are available approximately every 2.8–4.5 miles. The race is cupless; participants must carry a water bottle and collapsible cup to use aid stations.
All events are chip timed with ankle chips collected at the venue. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish area only. Ruck division rules specify mandatory pack weights (20 lb if under 150 lb, 30 lb if over 150 lb), mandatory weigh-ins, no trekking poles, and weight must be carried on the back. Pacers are allowed under specified rules for 50-mile and older-age entrants. Awards include Top 3 male/female and Top Masters (50+). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.