2026 Grasslands Trail Run

The 2026 Grasslands Trail Run will take place on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Alvord, United States, at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands / TADRA Point Trailhead in Decatur, Texas. The event offers a unique trail-running experience across over 20,000 acres of diverse terrain, including single-track and equestrian trails, with rolling hills, pine and oak groves, and open grassland fields. Participants can expect a challenging yet runnable course with a total elevation gain of approximately 4,000 feet for the 100-mile distance, and the opportunity to share the trail with horses and livestock. The weather in Alvord on March 21 is expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F and minimal precipitation, making it an ideal time for trail running.

What distances are available for this event?

• →100 Mile: Starts Saturday at 5:00 a.m.
• →50 Mile: Starts Saturday at 6:00 a.m.
• →Marathon: Starts Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
• →Half Marathon: Starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
• →15K: Starts Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

What are the course details for the Grasslands Trail Run?

• →The course utilizes a mix of single-track and equestrian trails.
• →Runners will encounter rolling hills, pine and oak grove forests, and open grassland fields.
• →The event features approximately 45 miles of non-overlapping trail, with the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K run on 100% unique trail sections.
• →The race takes place on over 20,000 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
• →Navigation is critical, as running the course in the wrong direction or order results in disqualification.
• →Large "TRAIL RUN" signs guide traffic near the site.

What are the key rules participants must follow?

• →Cattle gates must be closed and chained behind runners; failure to do so results in disqualification ("Don't Let The Cows Out").
• →Littering is strictly prohibited; participants must carry all trash to the next aid station.
• →Headphones are permitted but recommended to use only one earbud for safety.
• →Outside aid is only allowed at designated aid stations.

What are the cut-off times for each race?

• →100 Mile: Must finish by Sunday at 11:00 a.m. with specific split cutoffs at miles 54.9, 66.4, 82.5, and 91.4.
• →50 Mile: Must finish by Sunday at 6:00 a.m.
• →Marathon / Half Marathon: Must finish by Saturday at 11:59 p.m.
• →15K: Must finish by Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (3.5-hour limit).

What is included in the race registration?

• →All finishers receive a distance-specific medal. 100-mile finishers receive a buckle (sub-20hr, sub-24hr, or standard finisher).
• →Long-sleeve shirts for 100-mile registrants (if registered before deadline); short-sleeve shirts for all other distances.
• →Awards are presented at the finish line for top 3 overall male/female and top Master’s (40+) male/female in all events.

What are the aid station offerings?

• →The race is cupless; runners must bring their own hydration devices.
• →Offerings include water, Gatorade, soda, pickle juice, various solid foods (chips, cookies, PB&J, fruit), SaltStick, ginger candies, and first aid.
• →Hot food (ramen, quesadillas, vegan options) is available at minimum three stations during night hours.

Are pacers and crews allowed?

• →100 Mile: Allowed starting at mile 54.9 (start of the blue loop). Exceptions for runners 65+ or vision issues must be requested one week prior.
• →50 Mile: Allowed only in the final out-and-back section if running in the dark.
• →Crews: Only allowed at the Start/Finish (TADRA Point). No crew access at remote aid stations due to parking limitations.

What is the registration fee?

• →A $10 cash day-use fee per vehicle is required by the U.S. Forest Service. This can be paid at packet pickup or at the self-pay station.
• →Camping at TADRA also requires this fee.

What is the race schedule?

• →Packet Pickup: Thursday/Friday at Trailhead Running Supply Co. (Flower Mound, TX) or TADRA Point Trailhead (Alvord, TX). Race day packet pickup is available early morning at the start line.
• →Race Day Start Times:

• 100 Mile: Saturday at 5:00 a.m.

• 50 Mile: Saturday at 6:00 a.m.

• Marathon: Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

• Half Marathon: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

• 15K: Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

What are the course records for the Grasslands Trail Run?

• →100 Mile: Men: Nick Petterson (15:25:16, 2026) | Women: Lindsey Duffield (22:48:50, 2026)
• →50 Mile: Men: Josh Heimback (6:19:40, 2023) | Women: Shandra Moore (7:53:13, 2017)
• →Marathon: Men: Todd Reynolds (3:01:33, 2006) | Women: Melanie Rabb (3:32:47, 2017)
• →Half Marathon: Men: Josh Heimbach (1:19:27, 2022) | Women: Sarah Reardon (1:30:29, 2004)
• →15K: Men: Mauricio Leal Jr. (1:07:46, 2026) | Women: Susan Johnson (1:28:33, 2026)