Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race

Get ready to test your limits at the Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race, a challenging event returning to the rugged beauty of Bandera, Texas, on October 23, 2026. Hosted by Tejas Trails, this race is notorious for its "no whiners, wimps, or wusses" mantra, offering distances that include 100M, 50M, 25M, 5M, and a 1M youth run, alongside ruck options for 25M and 5M. The picturesque Hill Country State Natural Area serves as the backdrop, but don't let the stunning views distract you—this course demands your full attention.

The Cactus Rose lives up to its reputation as one of Texas's toughest ultramarathon courses, featuring a main 25-mile loop characterized by technical climbs and descents over rocky terrain, notorious for sotol cactus. Runners can expect approximately 2500 feet of elevation change per 25-mile lap, with very few flat sections, meaning you'll be constantly climbing or descending. This race embraces an old-school, self-supported philosophy; while medical staff are present, participants are expected to manage their own needs between aid stations. Aid stations provide ice and water, and runners are welcome to set up their own drop bags and personal supplies.

What truly sets the Cactus Rose apart is its deliberate design to push runners to their physical and mental limits, fostering an incredible sense of community and camaraderie amidst the challenge. The event hub at the Group Lodge within the natural area offers a central point for packet pickup and parking. Typical race day conditions in late October in Bandera feature pleasant highs around 80°F and lows near 52°F, with a minimal 8% chance of precipitation, though past events have seen warmer temperatures adding to the race's difficulty. This is more than just a race; it's an enduring test of spirit in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.