Prepare to embrace the challenge of the Blazin' Summer Sufferfest, a premier night trail race held on August 1, 2026, at Cedar Hill State Park in Cedar Hill, TX. Offering distances of 5K, 10K, 18K, 36K, and 54K, this event lives up to its name, inviting runners to conquer the Texas heat under the stars. Typical race day conditions in early August bring highs around 97°F and lows around 76°F, with a 7% chance of precipitation, making hydration and proper planning paramount.

The race unfolds on the 12-mile DORBA trail system, winding through over 1000 acres of diverse forest and grasslands along the picturesque edge of Joe Pool Lake. The terrain is moderate to challenging, featuring "some hills" and an elevation profile described as hilly for the longer distances, with segments that can include rocks, roots, and ruts. As a night race starting at 7:00 PM, all runners are strongly encouraged to carry a headlamp or flashlight, with no lighting available on the unlit trails. Longer distance participants are advised to bring extra batteries or a backup illumination device.

The Blazin' Summer Sufferfest emphasizes self-sufficiency and strategic hydration. It operates as a cupless race, mandating that all participants carry a hydration device. While the 5K route has no aid stations, the 10K features one stop at approximately 3.4 miles. For those tackling the 18K, 36K, and 54K distances, the Copperhead Corner aid station provides support twice per loop, at roughly 3.4 and 7.2 miles. Aid stations are well-stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, Oreos, fig cookies, and soda, along with Salt Stick to combat the summer conditions. Runners frequently highlight the intensity of the summer heat as a defining aspect of this unique night-running experience.