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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Brazos Bend 100 Mile

Draft Listing
  1. Trail Racing Over Texas
  2. 2026 Edition

One of the world's fastest trail 100-milers, run alongside alligators in Texas

Directions
Register
All trail races in Texas→
December 05, 2026
Saturday 6:00am CDT start
Needville, TX
United States
100.2 miles
Loop Course
60 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube
2015
Established

What Makes It Great

The Brazos Bend 100 Mile is one of the fastest trail 100-milers in the world, set almost entirely on flat, smooth surfaces within Brazos Bend State Park south of Houston. The course consists of six roughly 16.7-mile loops alternating between hard-packed crushed rock, soft hiking trails under tree canopy, and smooth horse trails — with just one 10-foot hill in the entire route. December conditions are typically ideal for racing, with temperatures running between 40 and 70°F. The park is famed for its abundant wildlife, including the resident American alligators that have become a hallmark of the BB100 experience — expect photo-worthy encounters on every loop. Three fully stocked aid stations, a personal gear area at the start/finish, and broad crew access make this one of the most supportive 100-milers available. Sub-32-hour finishers earn an official Western States 100 Lottery qualifier ticket.

Difficulty

Intermediate
4/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Night Running
Variable Weather

Race Highlights

Alligators on course
Brazos Bend State Park is home to hundreds of American alligators — they share the trail on every loop
One of the fastest trail 100-milers
Flat crushed rock and smooth horse trails allow road-shoe pacing; top finishers break 16 hours
Western States 100 qualifier
Sub-32-hour finish earns a WS100 Lottery ticket for the following year's draw
Night running guaranteed
The 32-hour window means virtually all finishers navigate at least one full loop in darkness
Largest trail race in Texas
300+ ultra runners on course with a personal gear area, crew access, and three stocked aid stations per loop

Finish Awards

Finisher Hoodie
All 100-mile finishers receive an event-specific ugly Christmas sweater-design hoodie
Finisher Buckle
All 100-mile finishers receive an event-specific belt buckle. Sub-XX-hour buckles available while supplies last.
Cash Prize
Top 3 male and female finishers: $800 / $400 / $200. Age category prizes for U20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Brazos Bend 100 Mile

Needville, TX, United StatesDecember 05, 2026

December 05, 2026
DistDistance100.2 mi
GainElevation Gain60 ft
LimitCutoff32 h
Night RunningVariable Weather

Entry Timeline

Race DayDecember 05, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.

Terrain

Surface Types
Gravel Road35%
Singletrack35%
Doubletrack30%
100.2 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
32h
Cutoff Time
60 ft
Total Ascent

Aid Stations & Cutoffs

Sign in to see aid station distances, cutoffs, crew access, and more.

On-Site Camping Available

State Park camping must be reserved via the online reservation system (Reserve America). No car camping at Elm Lake start/finish area. Brazos Bend Powersports & RV across the street from the park entrance offers primitive camping and no-hookup RV spots (no reservation required).

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

  • Pacers allowed on the final two loops (loops 5 and 6) of the 100-mile course. One pacer at a time. Pacers must register separately on RunSignup (registration opens November 1) and must start and finish only at the Elm Lake main start/finish.

Crew Rules

  • Crew and spectators allowed at any aid station in limited numbers. All aid stations require shuttle, walk, or bike access — no vehicle stops at aid stations are permitted. Crew should carpool; excessive vehicles per runner will not be allowed into the park. Crew may not use aid station supplies.
Weather
Rapid Weather Changes

December weather near Houston can range from 40 to 70°F with occasional cold fronts, rain, and potential for muddy trail sections

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Race Reports

Meet the Texans Who Run 100 Miles Alongside Alligators in Brazos Bend
By Texas Monthly
Race Preview: Brazos Bend 100
By Ultra Running Magazine
Brazos Bend 100 Race Report
By Ultra Running Community

Reviews

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Register•December 05, 2026