Big Bend Ultra (23rd annual)
10k, 20k, 35k, 55k, 100k
Sunday, January 17th 2027
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.
All other finishers receive a handmade clay finisher medal and a post race meal! 100K finishers receive a belt buckle. 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
All runners share the start and finish at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Race day parking is not available at 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.
Area Map
Have a question? Check here. Learn more about mandatory race policies, recommendations, and other guidelines. Also you can find out information regarding Have a question? Check here. Learn more about race policies, recommendations, and other guidelines. Also you can find out information regarding changing race distances, race insurance, and lots of other helpful info.
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.
Gold Tier Dark Skies
The International Dark-Sky Association certified the Big Bend Ultra race area as a gold tier Dark Sky Park (the highest level of recognition). Dark skies means bright stars. You won’t find a better view of the stars anywhere else in Texas.
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.
