About This Race
OUTLAST San Antonio presents a unique endurance challenge that strips trail running down to its mental core. Rather than a traditional race to the finish, this 6-hour format demands runners complete a 5K loop every hour on the hour for six consecutive rounds. Miss the hourly cutoff by even a moment, and your race ends immediately. Finish early, and you wait for the next round to begin. The format rewards strategic pacing over pure speed. Runners must balance pushing hard enough to complete each 5K within the hour while conserving energy for the rounds ahead. Between laps, competitors rest, refuel, and mentally prepare at the basecamp, creating a festival atmosphere where camaraderie builds alongside the mounting challenge. The trail-based course at Land Heritage Institute adds natural terrain complexity to the hourly pressure. This event suits runners seeking something beyond traditional race formats. Whether targeting all six laps for the coveted OUTLAST medal or aiming for the bronze patch at four laps, the challenge remains the same: show up each hour and execute. Winners advance to the national championship series, but the true victory lies in outlasting the format's relentless hourly demands.
The 5K loop unfolds on the trails of Land Heritage Institute, featuring natural terrain including dirt paths, rocks, and roots. Each lap begins and ends at the basecamp area where runners can set up their own aid stations and recovery areas between rounds. The trail-based route provides consistent footing challenges while remaining accessible to runners of varying abilities, though the terrain demands attention and can consume precious minutes from the hourly time limit.
Location
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Basecamp
water, electrolyte, snacks
Located at start/finish area where runners can set up personal aid stations
Practical Info
Late February in San Antonio typically offers mild temperatures in the 50s-60s Fahrenheit with potential for variable conditions.
SAT - San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio offers extensive lodging options throughout the city, with the race location approximately 20 minutes northeast of downtown.
- Hydration system
- Trail shoes
Best For
Notable Features
The hourly elimination format creates a distinct psychological challenge where pacing strategy and mental resilience matter as much as physical fitness. Runners can set up personal aid stations at basecamp, fostering a community atmosphere between the competitive pressure of each timed lap.