Hells Hills Trail Race

Event details

Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch, 578 FM 153, Smithville, TX 78957. The event includes multiple trail distances and a youth run. Everything for the event is held at the race site, which has a race hub next to a small pond and a large grass/dirt field for parking. There is onsite camping available at Rocky Hill Ranch.

Distances

• 50 miles
• 50 km
• 25 km
• 10 km
• 25 km Ruck
• 10 km Ruck
• Youth 1-mile (12 and under; open to ages 1-12)

Course and support

Course layouts: 10 km and 25 km are one lap; 50 km is two 15.5-mile laps; 50 miles is three 16.67-mile laps. The route includes short, steep hills, stream crossings, single-track sections, pine trees, and wildflower fields. The course is extensively marked with orange caution tape, yellow arrows, and confidence markers; markings include reflectors for low-light conditions. The race is cupless; runners must carry a water bottle or collapsible cup. Collapsible cups are available for purchase at packet pickup.

Aid stations: two full aid stations plus the start/finish station called the Saloon, a self-support aid station, and a temporary 10 km station. Aid is positioned roughly every 2.8 to 4.5 miles.

Ruck, pacers and awards

Ruck participants must meet weight rules: under 150 lb require 20 lb, over 150 lb require 30 lb, weight must be on the back, and no trekking poles. Pacers are allowed on the final lap for 50-mile runners; runners age 60 and older may have a pacer for the full 50 km or 50-mile race. Overall awards include Top 3 male and female and Top Masters male and female (50+). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.