a view of a mountain with a road going through it

OUTLAST San Antonio

6 x 5K loops (17.4 miles total)0·San Antonio, Texas
ultratechnicaltrailloopbeginner friendly

Photo by Alex Moliski on Unsplash

Distance6 x 5K loops (17.4 miles total)
Gain
DateFeb 28, 2026
StatusOpen
FeeFree
Difficulty3/5

About This Race

OUTLAST San Antonio presents a distinctive twist on trail running endurance. Rather than a traditional race against the clock, this six-hour challenge requires runners to complete a 5K loop every hour, on the hour. Miss your window, and you're eliminated. Finish early, and you rest until the next hourly start. The format rewards tactical pacing over pure speed, creating a mental chess match as much as a physical test. The challenge lies not just in covering the distance, but in managing your effort across six consecutive hours. Each lap brings fresh legs back to the starting line, while accumulated fatigue makes each subsequent loop more demanding. Only those who complete all six rounds earn the coveted OUTLAST medal and ranking on the national leaderboard. Set on natural trail terrain with elevation changes and unpredictable conditions, the course demands trail-specific skills. The format creates unique race dynamics, with runners forming temporary alliances and strategies evolving throughout the day. Whether attempting to survive all six laps or competing for the fastest combined time, OUTLAST rewards consistency, mental fortitude, and smart race management over raw speed.

The 5K loop at Land Heritage Institute features natural trail terrain with dirt paths, rocks, roots, and elevation changes typical of Texas Hill Country terrain. The course includes some pavement and gravel sections mixed with singletrack trail. Each lap begins and ends at basecamp, where runners can rest, refuel, and strategize between hourly starts.

With water and basic aid available at the start/finish area, the loop format allows runners to customize their fueling strategy and even set up personal aid stations. The course presents technical challenges that can slow pace unexpectedly, making time management crucial as the hour deadline approaches.

Aid Stations

1 stations along the course

Base Camp

Crew AccessDrop Bags

water, electrolyte, snacks

Main aid station with personal aid station setup allowed

Practical Info

Weather

Late February in San Antonio typically features mild temperatures in the 50s-70s°F with possible morning coolness and afternoon warming.

Nearest Airport

SAT - San Antonio International Airport

Accommodation

San Antonio offers extensive lodging options from budget to luxury, with the race venue about 30 minutes northeast of downtown.

Required Gear
  • Personal hydration system
  • Trail shoes

Best For

Trail runners seeking unique format challengesRunners with strong pacing disciplineThose looking to test mental fortitude

Notable Features

OUTLAST's hourly elimination format creates a unique race experience where strategic pacing matters more than pure speed. The national leaderboard system connects all OUTLAST events across the country, with a $1,000 prize for the fastest overall performer and championship opportunities for top finishers. The format allows for personal aid stations and tent setups, creating a festival-like atmosphere between intense hourly efforts.