Hells Hills Trail Race

Event overview

The Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas. The event offers multiple distances and a youth trail run. The course includes stream crossings, pine trees, fields of wildflowers, and short steep hills with frequent rolling ups and downs.

Distances

• 50 miles
• 50 km
• 25 km
• 10 km
• 25 km Ruck
• 10 km Ruck
• Youth 1-mile (ages 1–12, untimed, finisher medal)

Course and format

The 10 km and 25 km use a single loop. The 50 km is two laps of approximately 15.5 miles each; the 50 mile is three laps of approximately 16.67 miles each. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrows, and confidence markers; reflective markers are used for low-light sections. A downloadable course map and elevation profile are available from the organizer.

Support and rules

On-course support includes two full aid stations plus the start/finish station (the Saloon), a self-support station on the far side of the loop, and a temporary water/snack station positioned about 3.7 miles into the loop for the 10 km. Supplies appear every 2.8–4.5 miles. Ruck division weight rules: under 150 lb requires 20 lb; over 150 lb requires 30 lb; mandatory weigh-ins at packet pickup and finish. Chips are ankle-mounted for timing; results show Gun Time and Chip Time. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish only; no on-course drop-bag delivery. Pacers are permitted under specified rules for 50-mile and older runner categories. Awards include top 3 male/female and masters (50+). Camping is available onsite at Rocky Hill Ranch. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.