About This Race
The Fire Trail Running Festival brings a unique nighttime trail running experience to the scenic grasslands and woodlands of Guadalupe River State Park near Spring, Texas. This distinctive event offers multiple distance options including 5-mile, 15.5-mile, and 31-mile courses, creating opportunities for runners of various experience levels to challenge themselves under the cover of darkness. Despite its name suggesting a nighttime start, the festival begins at 8:00 AM, allowing runners to experience the full transition from daylight through dusk and into darkness on the longer distances. The course winds entirely on natural paths through the park's diverse terrain of grasslands and wooded sections, providing a pure trail running experience away from roads and pavement. With a cap of 100 participants across all distances, the festival maintains an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. The event includes a unique rucking division for the shorter distance, appealing to military-style fitness enthusiasts alongside traditional trail runners.
The course traverses the grasslands and woodlands of Guadalupe River State Park on 100% natural paths. Runners experience diverse terrain ranging from open meadows to forested sections, with the park's trail system providing a varied landscape throughout the different distance options.
Elevation Profile
Course Map
Route shown is approximate and for illustration purposes.
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.
Best For
Notable Features
The Fire Trail Running Festival stands out for its nighttime trail running experience and intimate field size, offering multiple distances including a unique rucking option alongside traditional running events in the scenic setting of Guadalupe River State Park.
Prepare for This Race
GEAR GUIDE
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GEAR GUIDE
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A tested guide to the best hydration vests for ultra marathons and long trail races — from lightweight racing vests to high-capacity mountain packs.
RACE GUIDE
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A thoughtful guide to choosing your first ultra marathon — what to look for in a course, how to evaluate difficulty, and five races worth considering.
FROM THE TRAIL
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Elevation profiles reveal the true character of a trail race. Learn to read the shape of a course and understand what it means for your race day experience.
