Hells Hills Trail Race
Smithville, United States • 4 Apr 2026
Event details
The Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, TX (578 FM 153). Distances offered include:
- 50 miles
- 50 km
- 25 km
- 10 km
- 25 km Ruck
- 10 km Ruck
- Youth 1-mile (open to ages 1–12)
Onsite camping is available at Rocky Hill Ranch. Packet pickup and race hub activities are located next to a small pond at the venue. The deadline to receive a race shirt is March 10.
Course and race services
Course layouts: 10 km = one lap, 25 km = one lap, 50 km = two 15.5-mile laps, 50 miles = three 16.67-mile laps. The route uses single-track trails with bridges, stream crossings, pine stands, wildflower fields, and many short steep hills. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrows, distance signs at intersections, confidence markers, and reflectors for dark hours.
Aid and support: there are two full aid stations plus the start/finish "Saloon", a self-support station with grab-and-go items, and a temporary 10 km water/snack station. Supplies are placed roughly every 2.8–4.5 miles. The event is cupless; participants must carry a water bottle or collapsible cup to get fluids.
Timing and rules: all races are chip timed with ankle-worn chips. Results show Gun Time for official rankings and Chip Time for individual splits. Pacers are permitted under specific rules. Ruck division requires mandatory weighted packs, with 20 lb required for participants under 150 lbs and 30 lb for those over 150 lbs; weights are checked before start and at finish. Awards include Top 3 male/female and Top Masters (50+). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.