Prickly Pear 50K

Event Overview

The SARR Prickly Pear is a trail running event held at McAllister Park in San Antonio, Texas. The race takes place on natural dirt trails consisting of single-track paths, rocks, and tree roots, with very little pavement. The course features regional flora, including the namesake prickly pear cactus, and covers areas such as the Blue Loop, Mud Creek Loop, and Mosquito Lake trails.

Race Distances

Participants can choose from three primary trail distances:

• 50K: A course consisting of three loops of 10.34 miles each on natural dirt trails.
• 15K: A single loop of approximately 9.36 miles on the park trail system.
• 5K: A single loop of 3.38 miles through the natural park terrain.

Virtual options are also available for the 50K, 15K, and 5K distances, allowing participants to complete their run in any location.

Logistics and Regulations

The event is held at Optimist Pavilion #3, which serves as the central hub for the start and finish lines. The courses are mostly flat and fast. This is a cupless race; runners are required to carry their own hydration devices or collapsible cups to use at the aid stations. For the 50K distance, a fully stocked aid station near the finish line allows for drop bags.

The event is chip-timed, and a course cutoff of 10 hours is enforced. For safety reasons, dogs and strollers are not permitted on the trail courses. Parking and restrooms are located near the pavilion, with additional portable facilities positioned near the start and finish area.

Awards and Recognition

All finishers receive a medal upon crossing the finish line. In addition to the medal, 50K finishers receive a hat and a car sticker. Awards are presented to the top three overall and masters (40+) male, female, and non-binary runners in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.