Brazos Bend 50

***THIS IS THE APRIL EVENT***

Registration and information for the December edition (100M, 100K, 26.2M, and 13.1M):  Brazos Bend 100

Description

Get ready for the April edition of one of the most popular trail races in Texas — Brazos Bend! Headlined by the marquee 50-mile, this event also features the 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K, making it the perfect race for everyone from first-time trail runners to experienced ultrarunners chasing PRs.

Brazos Bend is known as the fastest trail course in Texas — flat, smooth, and built for big performances. With just about 10 feet of elevation gain, you’ll cruise across a mix of crushed rock paths, shaded singletrack, and wide, runnable horse trails. Expect warm Texas spring weather with the potential for cool, comfortable starts before the day heats up.

Located just south of Houston near Sugar Land, Brazos Bend State Park delivers a truly unique race setting. The park is rich with wildlife, including its famous American alligators. Don’t worry — they’re used to people and keep their distance — but spotting one along the course definitely adds to the adventure (and makes for some unforgettable race photos).

Whether you’re going long in the 50-mile, stepping up to your first ultra, or just coming out to enjoy a fast, fun trail race, Brazos Bend delivers an incredible race experience from start to finish.

What to expect racing with TROT:

At Brazos Bend, every runner gets the full Trail Racing Over Texas experience — a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere paired with top-notch race organization. Participants receive their choice of premium race swag, along with a finisher medal for all distances from 5K to 50K, and a 50-mile buckle for those taking on the longest challenge. Expect well-marked, chip-timed racing, free race photos, incredible volunteer support, and Texas-sized aid stations stocked to keep you moving all day.

With generous cutoff times, this is an event where both first-time trail runners and seasoned ultrarunners can settle in, enjoy the day, and accomplish their goals. The park’s smooth, flat trails make it approachable, while the unique setting — yes, including the occasional gator sighting — adds to the adventure (don’t worry, they keep to themselves). A free kids run, a strong community vibe, and plenty of time to hang out before and after your race make Brazos Bend just as much about the experience as the miles.

Fast, flat course — perfect for PRs and first-time trail runners Distances for everyone: 50M, 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K 50-mile finisher buckles + medals for all other distances Your choice of premium race swag Chip-timed results Texas-sized, fully stocked aid stations Incredible volunteer support throughout the course Generous cutoff times so you can run your race Free professional race photos Unique wildlife experience (yes, including gators — from a safe distance!) Fun, welcoming trail community vibe Free park shuttle bus for all participants and guests Free kids run for the next generation of runners Event details will continue to be updated here and via email/social.

2026 Schedule

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH

Noon - 7 PM: Packet Pickup at Good Times Running Co in Katy - Yes, you can pick up for other people, extra passes, and pacers.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH​

Noon - 7:00 PM: Packet Pickup and Bag Drop at Elm Lake Pavilion -

Elm Lake Personal Area Setup begins at Noon. NOTE: Camp Style Tents are NOT allowed on the grass area - open canopies are allowed . You may set up your support area anywhere on the grass surrounding Elm Lake (plenty of room), canopies, coolers, chairs, etc. This is for access between your loops and for your friends/family/crew to hang out.

You can head directly to packet pickup to receive guest park passes. Please show proof of registration, volunteering, or a guest pass purchase at the front gate.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH​

4 AM: Parking shuttles begin rotating the park all day, from Nature Center/40 Acre/Overflow Parking Lots to Elm Lake

4:30 AM - 5:30 AM: Bag Drop at Elm Lake Pavilion

4:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Packet Pickup at Elm Lake Pavilion

ALL RACES START AND FINISH AT ELM LAKE PAVILION

RACE START SCHEDULE

6 AM: 50-MILE START 7 AM: 50-KILOMETER START 7:30 AM: 25K START 8:00 AM: 10K START 8:30 AM: 5K START Noon: Kids K

9:00 PM: FINISH LINE CLOSES (FINAL CUTOFF ALL EVENTS)

When to arrive on Saturday:

We recommend arriving and parking at least one hour before your event to give yourself plenty of time for the shuttle ride and packet pickup. To make race morning even smoother, consider taking advantage of our pre-race packet pickup options. Park gates will remain open on Friday night, just be sure to have pre-purchased any required guest passes in case you are asked to present at the entrance prior to arriving at packet pickup.

Shuttles will be running continuously between Elm Lake and all race parking lots. Be sure to make a note of where you parked so you can easily catch a ride back after your run!

Please try and carpool to save parking and reduce traffic. Support crew may enter the park later in the day, especially easier once the shorter events have wrapped up.

PARK PASS

Registered runners/pacers, volunteers, and campers DO NOT need to purchase a pass.

Every guest 13 and over entering the park will require a special events state park pass for the weekend, which includes park entry, shuttle, trail & facility use. This fee goes directly to Brazos Bend State Park. Receipt of digital payment should be shown at packet pickup in exchange for wristbands for the weekend. You may pick up pre-purchased wristbands for others with a digital receipt.

Extra park passes are available on the RunSignup Event Store in the final month leading to the event.

Pacers

Pacers are only allowed on the final lap of the 50M and must remain with their runner at all times. Each athlete is only allowed ONE pacer unless under special approved circumstances. Registered participants who will also pace after completing their own event do not need to register as a pacer, but should check in at the timing tent prior to pacing to receive a separate bib.

Registration as a pacer is done the same way as a participant through RunSignup. Registration must be completed by the pacer for insurance purposes and the registered runner must be listed during registration. Pacer registration includes park pass, parking, and event support. Option to add-on a race shirt will be offered prior to the order deadline. Pacer registration will open on Run Signup one month before the event and remain open through race day.

Guides (running the entire duration) should register through normal participant registration process.

Camping & Accommodations

Camping at the event area, parking lots, pavilions, and Car Camping is NOT allowed. Park staff will be checking vehicles and canopies left overnight in parking areas and Elm Lake.

Camping must be reserved through the online reservation system: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/

The closest accommodation will be AirBnB and hotels in Rosenberg and Sugar Land.