About This Race
Set within the rugged beauty of Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country, the Frio Trail Runs offer runners a challenging journey through rocky, single-track trails that showcase the distinctive character of central Texas terrain. The course winds through hilly landscapes punctuated by limestone outcroppings and native vegetation, with the centerpiece climb up Old Baldy Mountain providing panoramic views that reward the effort required to reach the summit. The race utilizes a loop-based format, with participants tackling multiple circuits depending on their chosen distance. Each 6-mile loop delivers approximately 1,500 feet of elevation gain, creating a cumulative challenge that tests both climbing strength and technical trail skills. The terrain consists entirely of natural paths carved through the park's diverse ecosystem, where runners navigate dirt-packed single track interspersed with rocky sections that demand careful foot placement. With distance options ranging from 5K to 50K, the event accommodates runners across the experience spectrum while maintaining its reputation for delivering honest hill country difficulty. The March timing captures the region at its most temperate, before the intensity of Texas summer heat arrives.
The course follows a 6-mile loop system through Garner State Park's varied terrain, with each circuit gaining approximately 1,500 feet of elevation. The signature challenge comes from the ascent of Old Baldy Mountain, where runners climb through rocky switchbacks to reach commanding views of the surrounding Hill Country. The single-track trails wind through native Texas vegetation and limestone formations, requiring technical skills to navigate the rocky, root-strewn sections safely.
Runners encounter a mix of rolling hills and steep climbs throughout each loop, with the terrain consisting entirely of natural dirt paths. The rocky nature of the trails demands attention to foot placement, particularly on descents where loose stones and embedded limestone create additional technical challenges.
Practical Info
March in the Texas Hill Country typically offers mild temperatures with daytime highs in the 60s-70s°F and cool mornings, though conditions can vary from crisp and clear to warm and humid.
SAT - San Antonio International Airport
Garner State Park offers camping facilities, while nearby Concan and Leakey provide lodging options including cabins and small inns popular with Frio River visitors.
Best For
Notable Features
The race's defining characteristic is the climb up Old Baldy Mountain, which provides panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country and serves as both a physical and mental benchmark for participants. The loop format allows for strategic pacing and creates multiple opportunities for supporters to see their runners, while the rocky single-track terrain offers authentic Hill Country trail running that showcases the region's distinctive limestone geology and native ecosystem.