2026 The Great Root Trail Race

The Great Root Trail Race is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Big Cedar Wilderness Trails, located at 8701 Isom Ln, Dallas, TX US 75249. The event is part of the Love Never Ends Trail Series and features a technical singletrack and mixed-terrain course with rocks, roots, dirt, and significant elevation changes. On the morning of the race, Dallas is expected to have partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62°F and a low of 44°F, with light winds. Participants can expect a challenging and scenic route that traverses multiple named trail segments, offering panoramic views of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding areas.

What distances are available for this event?

• →33 Mile Run — 6:30 AM CST
• →22 Mile Run — 7:00 AM CST
• →11 Mile Run — 7:30 AM CST
• →11 Mile Ruck — 8:00 AM CST
• →Virtual options also available for all distances

How much does registration cost?

• →11M Run: $85
• →22M Run: $105
• →33M Run: $125
• →11M Ruck: $95
• →Virtual Races (11M/22M/33M/11M Ruck): $65 each

What is the course like?

The race uses an approximately 11.2-mile loop course at Big Cedar Wilderness Trails. Longer distances (22M, 33M) are completed via multiple loops. The route traverses technical, rugged singletrack with natural obstacles such as rocks, roots, and loose dirt. The trail system features dramatic elevation changes, winding through cedar and hardwood forests atop an escarpment and then descending into a valley. The course spans over 100 acres of varied trail system.

What scenic views are available during the race?

Participants will enjoy panoramic views of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as westward views across the Trinity Valley, including landmarks such as AT&T Stadium, The Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas, and the downtown Fort Worth skyline. Southwest views of Cedar Hill State Park and its lake-wrapped hills are also visible along the course.

What is the rucking division requirement?

The rucking division requires participants to carry an award-eligible weight of 30 lbs for men and 20 lbs for women. Those who do not meet the weight requirements will receive a participant challenge coin instead of an award.

What is included in registration?

Registered participants will receive a t-shirt and medal for the running divisions. Ruckers will receive a t-shirt and a challenge coin. Shirts are not guaranteed for race-week sign-ups. The event is cupless, so participants are encouraged to bring their own hydration bottles.

What gear is recommended for the race?

Participants are advised to bring a hydration system, trekking poles, and a headlamp, especially for the early start times or low light conditions.

What is the schedule for packet pickup?

Packet pickup is available on Thursday, March 5, at Trailhead Running Supply in Flower Mound from 3–7 PM, and on Friday, March 6, at the Big Cedar Wilderness Pavilion from 2–6 PM. On race day, March 7, packet pickup will be available at the Big Cedar Wilderness Pavilion from 5:30–8 AM.

What is the cause supported by the event?

Proceeds from the event support The Great Root Movement, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides aid to individuals experiencing grief, domestic violence, and PTSD.

What are the registration deadlines?

Registration for the event closes on March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Participants can register through RunSignUp, which is linked from the official race website.

What is the trail map and GPX reference?

The trail map and GPX reference for the course can be accessed at https://www.trailforks.com/region/big-cedar-wilderness-trails/?activitytype=5.