2026 West Texas Ultra
West Texas Ultra 2026 will take place on April 17–18, 2026, in Fritch, Texas, within the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The event features a series of trail running races across rugged, hilly, and remote terrain on the Turkey, Harbor Bay, and Fritch Fortress Trails. Participants can expect to navigate dirt and rocky single-track routes, with varying distances and hydration requirements. The historic average temperatures for mid-April in Fritch range from 42°F to 72°F, offering a mix of cool mornings and warmer afternoons, which runners should be prepared for.
What distances are available for this event?
- →10K – Trail run, no mandatory water carry (cup or bottle for finish line)
- →25K – Trail run, carry 16-ounce minimum
- →50K – Trail run, carry 32-ounce minimum
- →50 Miles – Trail run, carry 32-ounce minimum
- →10K Ruck – 25 lb minimum pack weight, carry 16-ounce minimum hydration; vest or sack allowed
What is the course like for this event?
The course follows out-and-back single-track routes on the Turkey, Harbor Bay, and Fritch Fortress Trails. The terrain is rugged, hilly, and remote, with a 50M elevation gain of approximately 5,400 feet. The surface consists of dirt and rocky single track, and participants can expect to encounter other runners on the trail. A course map and elevation chart are available at Caltopo ↗, and the race location can be accessed via Google Maps ↗.
What are the key race rules for this event?
All participants who drop or quit must report back to the Start/Finish line and inform the Race Director. A water carrying system is mandatory for all events. Participants are expected to follow the course, avoid littering, and not cut the course. Respect for volunteers is also required.
What awards and finisher swag are included in this event?
All participants will receive a West Texas Ultra Finisher Medal (Texas Ultra Series Collectable) and a West Texas Ultra t-shirt. The 1st place Male/Female will receive a trophy. 10K Ruck Finishers will receive a "West Texas Ultra Ruck" patch. 50K Finishers will have a "50K" inscription on the back of their medal, and 50M Finishers will have a "50M" inscription on the back of their medal. Top 7 Male/Female finishers will receive a Big Texas Ultra Championship ticket. Additionally, the last place finisher will receive the DFL ("Dead Freakin' Last") trophy.
What weather conditions should participants be prepared for?
Historic average temperatures in Fritch during mid-April range from 42°F to 72°F. Participants should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including cool mornings and warmer afternoons, and should plan accordingly with appropriate gear.