10k, 20k, 30k, 50k, 50mi
January 18th 2026
Big Bend Ultra (22nd annual)
Part of Texas Trail Championship
In 2004, a wild idea was hatched: an ultra trail race in Big Bend. It had never been done. The logistics were impossible. 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 lowest light pollution of any park in the lower 48 states: making it a fantastic place for stargazing. This was the beginning of a truly great event that has been held annually ever since. This year Carroll Voss, Erik Stanley, and the team of volunteers and competitors with Trail Roots are looking forward to the best race yet.
*For all race policy info including distance changes, cancelations, nutrition info please see our Race Prep Guide
Race Swag guaranteed until 12/31.
Timing
WARNING: Your phone may show the WRONG time while in the Big Bend area.
Saturday 1/18
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 1/19
5:30a - start 50m
7:00a - start 50k
8:00a - start 30k
8:30a - start 20k
9:00a - start 10k
4:30p - 50K and shorter finish
8:30p - 50M finish & race over
Packet Pickup
Barton Warnock Center in Terlingua, TX 79852
Saturday, Jan 18th from 10am-4:30pm
Sunday, Jan 19th from 5-8am
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
Results are at Chuckscore.com + 2024 results
Race swag guaranteed for signups before 12/1/2024
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
50m - 3368’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 197.8 / hard
Drop bags can be left at start/finish for mid-race access
50k - 1956’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 168.1 / moderate
30k - 1280’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 151.8 / moderate
20k - 700’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 135.1 / moderate
10k - 347’ gain | map | stations | cX Rating: 125.4 / moderate
You can view the CalTopo map if you prefer. However, the routes have changed slightly.
*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.
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.
