10k, 20k, 35k, 55k, 100k
Sunday, January 18th 2026
Big Bend Ultra (22nd annual)
Part of Texas Trail Championship | Lodging | Volunteers | Area Activities
In 2004, a wild idea was hatched: an ultra trail race in Big Bend. It had never been done. The logistics were impossible. The Big Bend National and State Parks are huge: over 300,000 acres and several hours from San Antonio. Water is scarce. Fuel is scarce. Transportation is scarce. The isolation also means it has the lowest light pollution of any park in the lower 48 states, making it a fantastic place for stargazing. Expect zero cell service on the course! This was the beginning of a truly great event that has been held annually ever since. If you’re looking to truly get disconnected on some epic trails, this race is for you.
*New for 2026 In order to improve our experience for runners and volunteers we have created new routes for the 30K & 50K which are now 35 & 55K races. Both routes are new this year, but the 55k is significantly different offering more single track and climbing than in previous years. Due to the inability to access the route by vehicle, the 10k is slightly different as well and is an out and back (with no aid station). We are now offering a brand new 100k single loop race. Due to the remoteness of the race, we are limiting the field of the 100k to 100 participants. In addition, this is our first year hosting a 100k race in Big Bend, and to make sure we have the support from the volunteers and staff we will have a strict 20 hour cut-off. Our hope is to be able to increase the cut-off in future years as the race grows. 100K finishers will receive a buckle
**For all race policy info including distance changes, cancelations, nutrition info please see our Race Prep Guide
Race Swag guaranteed until 12/25.
Info
WARNING: Your phone may show the WRONG time while in the Big Bend area. The race is CENTRAL time.
Packet Pickup
Barton Warnock Center in Terlingua, TX 79852
Saturday, Jan 17th from 10am-4:30pm
Sunday, Jan 18th from 5-8am
Timing
Saturday 1/17
8:30a - pre race shakeout at Lajitas Resort Trails with Altra hosted by Midland Athletic Co.
5p, 6p, 7p Pre Race Past Dinner @ Starlight. Purchase Tickets
Sunday 1/18 RACE DAY
5:00a - start 100K
7:00a - start 55k
8:00a - start 35k
8:30a - start 20k
9:00a - start 10k
4:30p - 55K and shorter finish
1:00a - 100K finish & race over
Finishers
All finishers receive a hand made clay finisher medal and a post race meal! Make sure to hang on to your bib because it’s your meal ticket.
Awards
1st-3rd M/F overall
1st Masters (50+)
Age Group winners
Historical Results are at Chuckscore.com + 2025 2024 results
Race swag guaranteed for signups before 12/25/2025
Location
All runners share the start and finish at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center at Big Bend Ranch State Park. The race day parking area is about 200 meters from the visitor center (see map). Please do not try and park in the visitor center as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will not allow runners to park there.
Maps & Course Info
100K - 4571’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 219.3 / hard
55k - 2485’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 176.4 / hard
35k - 1473’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 154.7 / moderate
20k - 746’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 135.7 / moderate
10k - 294’ gain | map | No Stations | cX Rating: 120.6 / Easy
Drop bags for 55k & 100k runners. See station details above for details.
Drop bags going to Righthanded Shut Up & Paso Solitario Aid Stations must be labeled with your number and aid station and dropped off at Barton Warnock Center by 11AM Jan 17.
Drop bags going to The Mines and West Contrabando aid must be dropped off by 3pm Jan 17th
Aid stations are remote with no crew or spectator access and no cell service. Access into the state park by vehicle is not allowed for spectators or crews and only for designated volunteers to manage the aid stations. West Contrabando & Bravo aid have a permanent toilet, but all other stations will have a pop up privy style toilet.
*For general race info that pertains to all of our races such as aid station food/drink, transferring a distance or canceling your race, pet policies, training plans, and more please see our race prep guide below.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Race Plans
We also offer semi-custom and fully customized race plans. All plans have been specially developed by our race director and tailored for the race, distance, and your experience level. Fully customized plans are available with 1:1 virtual coaching.
Photos
Race Beneficiaries
The Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park is a non-profit organization that helps improve and maintain trails within Big Bend. They provide race support and volunteers. We are proud to donate a portion of proceeds to support their work as well as a portion to the Big Bend Trail Alliance.
Volunteer
Volunteers are great way to give back or get credit towards your future races. We rely on experienced mountain bikers as volunteers to help with trail setup, tear down and safety patrol. If you are good with a full day of trails (not terribly tough, but requires fitness and experience) it’s a fantastic place to ride. You must be able to take care of your own lodging, transportation, flats etc. and other gear. It sounds tough (and it can be), but volunteers love the work. No matter what your talent or capabilities, if you want to volunteer, we can find a job for you.
All volunteers must be able to read, write and speak English. Spanish fluency is much appreciated since we have runners from Mexico and South America.
The course is on extremely remote territory with zero cellular coverage.
Communications
The Big Bend Amateur Radio Club will be providing most of the repeater network for this event.
Frequencies are subject to change and will be assigned to particpants – check w/ Charlie Angell when you arrive.
HAM Radio Operator Contact
Charles Land
Thank you to our Sponsors!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible trail race sponsors. Your unwavering support and generosity have made our event possible and memorable. From providing essential race supplies to promoting and enhancing the overall experience for our participants, your contribution has made a significant impact on the success of our race.
