2026 Cross Timbers Trail Run
The 2026 Cross Timbers Trail Run will take place on March 7, 2026, in Gordonville, Texas, at the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail, specifically at the Juniper West Trailhead located at 32843 U.S. 377, Gordonville, TX 76245. This event is held along the shoreline of Lake Texoma, on the Texas side of the Texas-Oklahoma border. The race is expected to experience average temperatures of 46°F at night and 66°F during the day, with sunrise at 6:52 AM and sunset at 6:27 PM. Participants can expect a rugged, wooded singletrack trail with natural terrain, featuring rocks, roots, and ruts, along with hilly and technical ascents and descents. The trail is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the event may be cancelled if safety conditions are compromised. The course offers a variety of distances, including 5 miles, half marathon, marathon, and 50K, with each distance following a specific out-and-back layout along the trail.
What distances are available for this event?
- →5 miles
- →Half Marathon (13.1 mi)
- →Marathon (26.2 mi)
- →50K (31.1 mi)
What is the course layout for each distance?
- →50K: 1 full out-and-back on the complete trail + 1 smaller loop on the 5-mile course section
- →Marathon: 1 full out-and-back on the complete trail
- →Half Marathon: 1 out-and-back on a designated portion of the trail
- →5 Mile: 1 out-and-back on a smaller, accessible portion of the trail (loops around the "CB" marker on the course map)
What is the course surface like?
The course features a rugged, wooded singletrack trail with natural terrain, including rocks, roots, and ruts. The trail is hilly with steep and slow ascents and descents.
What are the trail hazards to expect?
Participants should be prepared for exposed trees and roots, rocky and uneven terrain, cliff drop-offs adjacent to trail edges, and steep climbs and technical descents.
What is the elevation profile of the course?
The elevation profile is based on a Garmin GPS-based profile from a 2016 runner. Note that the trail was rerouted in late 2015 and early 2016, so pre-2016 profiles do not reflect the current course.
How is the course marked?
The course is marked with bright pink contractor tape flagging with reflective ends, bright pink stake flags in open field sections, and arrow signs indicating turns (left, right, straight). Confidence flagging is used in sections with no logical alternate routes, with up to 0.5 miles between markers.
What should participants do if they become lost?
If participants become lost, they should backtrack to the last marker, never leave the trail, and wait for assistance if completely disoriented.
How many aid stations are available for each distance?
- →5 Mile: 1 aid station
- →Half Marathon: 3 aid stations
- →Marathon: 7 aid stations
- →50K: 9 aid stations
What is the weather forecast for the event?
The average race-day temperatures are expected to be a low of 46°F and a high of 66°F. The weather is unpredictable, and the race may be cancelled by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel if safety conditions are compromised.
Who manages the course?
The course is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Are there any special discounts or programs available?
- →Active Military/Veteran discount: 10% off via email to Libby@TheActiveJoe.com
- →Trail Mix Fund: Registration fee waivers available for under-served, under-resourced, and under-represented runners (including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities); apply via their form
Is live tracking available during the event?
Yes, live tracking is available on race day, with the link activated only on the event day. Avoid Google Ads on the tracking page.
Are there any other important details participants should know?
The event is the 45th Annual Running, and registration and volunteer links are available on the official event page.