2026 Brazos Bend 50
The 2026 Brazos Bend 50 will take place on April 11, 2026, at the Elm Lake Pavilion in Brazos Bend State Park, located in Needville, Texas, just south of Houston and Sugar Land. The event is expected to have warm and humid conditions, with mornings potentially cooler, making it essential for participants to prepare for a range of temperatures. As part of the Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT) series, the race offers multiple distances, with the 50-Mile being the highlight, and the 50K serving as the RRCA Texas State Championships. Known for its exceptionally flat trail, the course is ideal for fast running and has seen numerous record-breaking performances over the years. With a mix of crushed rock, hiking trails, and horse trails, runners can expect a unique and challenging experience, all while encountering the natural beauty of the park, including its famous birdlife and American Alligators.
What is the 2026 Brazos Bend 50?
The 2026 Brazos Bend 50 is a trail running event hosted by Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT), featuring multiple race distances on the famously flat trail of Brazos Bend State Park. The event is one of the most anticipated in the trail running community, with the 50-Mile being the main attraction and the 50K serving as the RRCA Texas State Championships. The course is known for its speed and unique terrain, making it a must-participate event for serious trail runners.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50 Mile race starting at 6:00 AM
- →50K race starting at 7:00 AM
- →25K race starting at 7:30 AM
- →10K race starting at 8:00 AM
- →5K race starting at 8:30 AM
- →Free Kids Race starting at Noon
What is the course like?
The course is primarily flat, with only a 10-foot rise, making it the fastest trail in Texas and arguably the USA. The terrain includes a mix of hard crushed rock, soft hiking trails under tree canopies, and easy horse trails. The trail is known for its fast conditions, and runners can expect to encounter wildlife, including American Alligators, which are part of the park experience.
What is the weather forecast for the event?
On April 11, 2026, in Needville, Texas, the weather is expected to be warm and humid, with mornings potentially cooler. Runners should prepare for a range of temperatures and consider layering clothing to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
What are the race cutoff times?
- →50-Mile: 15 hours from gun time
- →All events: The finish line closes at 9:00 PM — all runners must be off the course by then
- →Race and medical directors may make final lap cutoff decisions based on the ability to finish within the time limit
What is the schedule for race day?
- →4:00 AM: School bus shuttle begins from Nature Center / 40 Acre / Main Entrance lots to Elm Lake
- →4:00–5:30 AM: Bag drop at Elm Lake Pavilion
- →4:30–9:00 AM: Packet pickup at Elm Lake Pavilion
- →Race start times vary from 6:00 AM for the 50-Mile to 8:30 AM for the 5K
- →The finish line closes at 9:00 PM for all events
What are the packet pickup dates and locations?
- →Wednesday, April 8: Bib pickup at Good Times Running ↗ in Katy, TX
- →Friday, April 10: Packet and park pass pickup, runner support area setup, and bag drop at Elm Lake Pavilion
- →Strongly recommended to use Wednesday or Friday packet pickup to avoid race morning rush
What are the aid station details?
All runners must carry their own hydration. Aid stations are available at:
- →Elm Lake Pavilion (start/finish) — main aid station + personal support area
- →40 Acre Lake — unmanned water fill-up only (all events except 5K)
- →Nature Center — full aid station (all events)
- →Sawmill — full aid station (50M, 50K, 25K only)
Supplies include fluids, food, snacks, medical items, and hot meals in the evening.
What are the drop bag policies?
- →50M only: Drop bag allowed at Sawmill Aid Station
- →A small drop bag is available at Elm Lake Pavilion (must be labeled, delivered by 5:30 AM Saturday)
- →Bags are returned by ~10 PM; unclaimed bags are held for 2 weeks before disposal
What are the rules for pacers and crew?
- →Pacers are allowed for the 50-Mile only, on the final lap only, starting from Elm Lake Start/Finish
- →One pacer per athlete (exceptions require RD approval)
- →Pacers must register via RunSignup ↗ (includes park entry + insurance); registration open through race day
- →No pacers for 5K, 10K, 25K, or 50K
- →Crew may only assist at designated aid station areas, not on course
What are the parking and shuttle details?
- →No parking on grass, roadways, or shoulders — violators will be ticketed and towed
- →Main parking: Nature Center lot (1/4–1/2 mile walk to Elm Lake)
- →Overflow 1: 40-Acre lot (shuttle required)
- →Overflow 2: Near main park entrance (shuttle required)
- →School bus shuttles run from 4 AM to 8 PM; van shuttle by request after hours
- →Plan for at least 1 hour to park and reach Elm Lake
What are the park pass and camping requirements?
- →Every person 13 and over requires a special events State Park pass (covers parking, shuttle, trail use, bathrooms)
- →Registered runners, pacers, volunteers, and kids 12 & under do not need to purchase a pass separately
- →Camping must be reserved through Reserve America ↗
- →No overnight tents at Elm Lake (open canopies allowed)
- →Brazos Bend RV across the street offers car camping / RV parking (no hookups, water available): Brazos Bend RV ↗
- →Closest hotels: Rosenberg and Sugar Land (AirBnB options available)