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Course Highlights
The Bandera course is legendary for its brutality and beauty in equal measure. Set in the Hill Country State Natural Area (10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX), the main 50K loop covers roughly 3,300 feet of elevation gain — and equal loss — over trails thick with limestone rocks, sotol plants, steep gnarly climbs, and breathtaking Hill Country vistas. The 100K is two full loops (6,600 ft total gain). The 25K starts identically before taking a cutover after Equestrian Aid Station. In the darkness of January nights, the course becomes a world of headlamp beams and cold stars — one of ultrarunning’s most atmospheric experiences.
Race Details
The 2027 Bandera race runs January 9–10. The 100K launches Saturday at 7:30 AM with a 25-hour cutoff (course closes Sunday 8:30 AM). A limited Saturday Non-Competitive 50K also starts at 8:00 AM. The Sunday competitive 50K starts at 8:00 AM and the 25K at 8:30 AM (final cutoff 7:00 PM Sunday). Pacers are allowed for 100K runners after completing one 50K loop. The race is fully cupless — bring your own hydration vessel. Aid stations at Lodge, Equestrian, and Chapas offer hot and cold food.
Western States Qualifier
Runners who complete the 100K within 18 hours earn qualification to enter the Western States 100 Endurance Run lottery — the most prestigious 100-mile trail race in the world. This Western States qualifier status makes Bandera a pilgrimage for elite and competitive ultrarunners from across North America and beyond. The race’s deep history with Tejas Trails, one of Texas’ most respected trail race organizations, guarantees impeccable course marking, aid station support, and volunteer hospitality.
Why Runners Love It
Bandera represents ultrarunning at its most elemental — just you, the rocks, the sotol, and the Hill Country. No music stations, no crowd corridors, just miles of technical Texas trail and the knowledge that finishing is an achievement earned by sheer grit. The primitive camping at Hill Country State Natural Area creates a true running community feel; participants set up camp Thursday and Friday, share meals with other runners and crews, and create lasting memories. The January timing, often with cold overnight temperatures, adds another layer of challenge that veterans relish.
Register
Register at RunSignup or via tejastrails.com/bandera. Shirt guarantee deadline is December 1. Registration fills months in advance for the 100K.
Bandera, Texas United States
Course Highlights
The Bandera course is legendary for its brutality and beauty in equal measure. Set in the Hill Country State Natural Area (10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX), the main 50K loop covers roughly 3,300 feet of elevation gain — and equal loss — over trails thick with limestone rocks, sotol plants, steep gnarly climbs, and breathtaking Hill Country vistas. The 100K is two full loops (6,600 ft total gain). The 25K starts identically before taking a cutover after Equestrian Aid Station. In the darkness of January nights, the course becomes a world of headlamp beams and cold stars — one of ultrarunning’s most atmospheric experiences.
Race Details
The 2027 Bandera race runs January 9–10. The 100K launches Saturday at 7:30 AM with a 25-hour cutoff (course closes Sunday 8:30 AM). A limited Saturday Non-Competitive 50K also starts at 8:00 AM. The Sunday competitive 50K starts at 8:00 AM and the 25K at 8:30 AM (final cutoff 7:00 PM Sunday). Pacers are allowed for 100K runners after completing one 50K loop. The race is fully cupless — bring your own hydration vessel. Aid stations at Lodge, Equestrian, and Chapas offer hot and cold food.
Western States Qualifier
Runners who complete the 100K within 18 hours earn qualification to enter the Western States 100 Endurance Run lottery — the most prestigious 100-mile trail race in the world. This Western States qualifier status makes Bandera a pilgrimage for elite and competitive ultrarunners from across North America and beyond. The race’s deep history with Tejas Trails, one of Texas’ most respected trail race organizations, guarantees impeccable course marking, aid station support, and volunteer hospitality.
Why Runners Love It
Bandera represents ultrarunning at its most elemental — just you, the rocks, the sotol, and the Hill Country. No music stations, no crowd corridors, just miles of technical Texas trail and the knowledge that finishing is an achievement earned by sheer grit. The primitive camping at Hill Country State Natural Area creates a true running community feel; participants set up camp Thursday and Friday, share meals with other runners and crews, and create lasting memories. The January timing, often with cold overnight temperatures, adds another layer of challenge that veterans relish.
Register
Register at RunSignup or via tejastrails.com/bandera. Shirt guarantee deadline is December 1. Registration fills months in advance for the 100K.