Texas Hill Country's toughest qualifier — rocks, sotol, and two brutal loops
The Bandera 100k winds twice through the rugged Hill Country State Natural Area — a two-loop course where the motto says it all: no whiners, wimps, or wusses. Each 50k lap threads through rocky, sotol-studded terrain with relentless short but steep climbs and gnarly technical descents delivering stunning Hill Country vistas. Runners tackle the counterclockwise loop starting Saturday at dawn, punch through a mid-race cutoff by 8pm to begin the second lap, and race the clock to a Sunday morning finish. One of the premier early-season 100k events in the US, Bandera is a coveted Western States lottery qualifier and draws a competitive national and international field to Tejas Trails' famously well-organized event.
Some ultra experience recommended
Bandera, TX, United StatesJanuary 09, 2027
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Lodge Start | 0.0 | 1,654 ft |
Boyles Aid Station | 5.0 | 1,680 ft |
Equestrian Aid Station | 9.4 | 1,568 ft |
Nachos Aid Station | 16.4 | 1,460 ft |
Chapas Aid Station | 21.2 | 1,503 ft |
YaYa Aid Station | 27.0 | 1,581 ft |
Lodge Aid Station | 31.1 | 1,654 ft |
Boyles Aid Station | 36.2 | 1,637 ft |
Equestrian Aid Station | 40.5 | 1,552 ft |
Nachos Aid Station | 47.5 | 1,427 ft |
Chapas Aid Station | 52.3 | 1,473 ft |
YaYa Aid Station | 58.2 | 1,601 ft |
Lodge Finish | 62.1 | 1,578 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Primitive camping available at the race venue (Hill Country State Natural Area), first-come first-served, no reservations needed Thu–Mon. $25/person covers all nights (tent, car, or RV without hookup). Limited RV hookup sites at Equestrian (water only) and Chapas (electric only) at $40/night — reserve by emailing [email protected]. Partner hotels with racer discounts available in Bandera and Boerne via Halo Bookings.
January nights in the Texas Hill Country can drop into the 20–30°F range, especially the pre-dawn stretch between loops
Rapid weather changes common in January; the 2025 edition was relocated due to forecast freezing rain — check conditions close to race day
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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