About This Race
The Fire Trail Running Festival brings a unique nocturnal experience to the scenic landscapes of Guadalupe River State Park in Texas. Set against the backdrop of rolling grasslands and dense woodlands, this night race offers runners a chance to experience trail running under the stars. The festival format includes multiple distances, accommodating everyone from newcomers testing the waters with the 8K to seasoned ultrarunners tackling the 50K through the darkness. The race takes place in June, when Texas nights provide relief from the intense daytime heat but still demand careful attention to hydration and pacing. The relatively flat terrain makes this an accessible introduction to night running for those curious about the discipline, while the longer distances provide ample challenge through accumulated mileage rather than vertical gain. What sets this event apart is its focus on the night running experience itself. Running by headlamp through the varied ecosystems of central Texas creates an entirely different relationship with the trail, requiring heightened awareness and offering a meditative quality that many night runners find transformative.
The course winds through Guadalupe River State Park's diverse terrain of grasslands and woodlands. The relatively flat profile, with minimal elevation change, allows runners to focus on pacing and navigation rather than technical climbing. The trail surface is primarily natural paths, providing good footing while maintaining the authentic trail running experience.
Practical Info
June nights in central Texas are warm and humid with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F, providing relief from daytime heat but requiring attention to hydration.
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Notable Features
The night racing format transforms familiar trail running into something entirely different, requiring headlamps and heightened awareness while offering a peaceful, meditative experience under the Texas stars. Multiple distance options make it accessible to runners of varying experience levels.