Fire Trail Running Festival 2026
Best For: Grit-testing ultra runners and ruck enthusiasts who prefer technical night trails over road marathons.
Course Character: Relatively flat but technical; rocky single-track with repetitive loops.
Logistics Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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This isn't a scenic stroll; it's a gritty, nocturnal test of navigation and gear management. If you want a pampered race experience with aid stations handing out cups, look elsewhere—this is a self-sufficient, headlamp-mandatory affair designed for people who actually like the dirt.
Fire Trail Running Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Spring Branch, Texas. You can choose from 7K, 8K, 25K, and 50K distances, with a dedicated RUCK option for all lengths. It is a night race held in the Guadalupe River State Park, making it a unique, dark-trail experience.
What is the terrain and elevation profile like?
The course utilizes the Barred Owl, Painted Bunting, and Live Oak trails. Don't let the "relatively flat" description fool you into complacency; you’re dealing with rocky, dirt single-track that requires constant footwork. With roughly 214 ft of elevation gain per loop, the 50K will feel repetitive and taxing on the stabilizers. Check the elevation profile on Caltopo ↗ before you commit.
How much gear do I need to pack?
This is a "bring your own" event. There are no cups provided, so if you show up without a hydration vest or handhelds, you're in trouble. Since it's a night race, a high-quality headlamp is non-negotiable for all distances. If you are opting for the RUCK, be prepared for strict weight requirements: 30 lbs if you weigh over 150 lbs, and 20 lbs if you are under 150 lbs.
Is it going to be punishingly hot?
Yes. You are running in Texas in mid-June. While the sun goes down for the 8:00 PM start, the ambient temperature typically hovers between 75°F and 90°F. The humidity will be high, and the heat won't vanish just because it's dark. Manage your effort levels early, or the Texas summer will swallow you whole.
What are my distance and timing options?
You have four main paths: 7K, 8K, 25K, and 50K. All races kick off at 8:00 PM on Saturday night. Be aware that there is a hard 8.5-hour cutoff at 4:30 AM on Sunday. For the 50K runners, the mental game is about managing the darkness and the repetitive loops within that window.
What do I get for finishing?
You'll walk away with a soft race shirt and a collectible finisher medal. The 50K finishers get a special inscription on their medal, and there is a "Dead Freakin' Last" (DFL) award for the 50K to keep the spirit alive. If you complete the RUCK, you'll also snag a specific RUCK patch.
How do I get to the start line?
The race is held at Guadalupe River State Park, near Spring Branch. Your best bet is to fly into San Antonio (SAT) and drive about 45–60 minutes north. I recommend staying in the Spring Branch or Boerne area to avoid a long trek in the dark on race morning.