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Race guide · Texas, USA
How to train for Bandera
Rocky, sotol-lined Texas Hill Country trail with short, steep hills and no long climbs. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Jan 9–10, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100K | 62 mi | 6,600 ft | 25 h | Sat Jan 9 7:30 AM |
| 50K | 31 mi | 3,300 ft | – | Sun Jan 10 8:00 AM |
| 25K | 15.5 mi | – | – | Sun Jan 10 8:30 AM |
All races are at Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera. The 100K is two laps of the 50K loop.
What makes it hard
Rocks and sotol
The organiser's own words: everything here "cuts, stings, or bites". Expect rocky trail lined with sharp sotol plants.
Train for it: Run on rocky, technical trail and build ankle strength.
Short, steep hills
There are no mountains, just one short, steep climb after another, with fast, rocky descents.
Train for it: Hill repeats of 1–3 minutes, and downhill running on rough ground.
Going back out (100K)
The 100K is two laps, and the second one usually runs into the dark.
Train for it: Practise night runs, and plan your turnaround at halfway so you don't linger.
How long to train
Plan on 16–20 weeks for the 100K, 12–16 for the 50K and 8–12 for the 25K if you're already running 4–5 days a week.
Get a plan built around race day
Set Bandera as your goal race and VertPro builds your training back from the start line, then adapts week to week. A Vert.run coach reviews your plan in the first 24 hours.
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How much elevation gain is Bandera?
About 3,300 ft per 50K loop, so roughly 6,600 ft for the 100K, made up of short, steep hills rather than long climbs.
When is Bandera 2027?
January 9–10, 2027: the 100K starts Saturday at 7:30 AM, and the 50K and 25K run on Sunday, according to the organiser. Always confirm on the official race site.
Race facts checked October 2, 2026 against tejastrails.com. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.