Houston Fall/Winter Trail Race Schedule

WoodsEdge Trail Race
October 31, 2015 10:am
Woodedge Church, Spring, Texas

5K/ Kids Race

Taking place among the forest trails of the 64-acre campus of WoodsEdge Church, the WoodsEdge Trail Race features a 5k Trail Race as well as a Kids Fun Run for kids ten-years and under.  This year's race will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015 and will begin at 10am.   All race participants will receive a custom t-shirt commemorating the race and are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes if they desire.  Our primary race sponsor, Luke's Locker, will be providing some excellent Gift Card awards for the 1st Masters Male and Female finishers, the overall Male and Female finishers, as well as the Top 3 in each age group.

http://www.woodsedge.org/trailrace

Rocky Raccoon 50K/25K
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015
Start: At Raven Lodge
Where: Huntsville State Park @ Huntsville, Texas
Aid Stations: Eight fully stocked aid stations on 50K course; Four on 25K cours
Course: Dirt trails & jeep roads through beautiful & scenic forest of Huntsville State Park - 25K loop looped course.

http://trail-race.com/rocky-raccoon-50k25k/

Wild Hare Trail Run
Nov 21 – 5am
50mi / 50km / 25km / 10km
Warda, Texas

Welcome to the 6th annual Wild Hare endurance run. As the name implies, a FAST frolic on a course of constantly changing terrain. It's a short 8mi loop, part of which is a mountain bike style rollercoaster of twists & turns with shallow dips and 180 degree turns, another part open field which is fast and easy, and also a few climbs/descents over the bluff. With each distance starting an hour apart, it all merges quickly into one big party. Bathrooms and showers right at the start, the coolest Wild Hare medals, unique awards, chip timing, tech Ts and lots of camaraderie, where everyone gets to see everyone else.

http://tejastrails.com/WildHare.html

Spring Creek Greenway Fatass 50Mile (or less)

On Saturday Nov 21st, our planned training run is a 50 miler. We would like to invite everyone to share the trail with us, any portion or all 50 miles. Run, walk, bike, skate board or fly, it all makes the day better! Bring the whole family for a day of endurance. We will be running on the Spring Creek Greenway in Spring,Texas.. It's a beautiful 12 mile paved pathway (some trails available to run also) through the woods along the Spring Creek. It connects Dennis Johnston Park- John Pundt Park- Jesse Jones Park. Water is available about every 2-3 miles and there are full restroom facilities at each park. We are starting at John Pundt Park with the cooperation of the Harris County Parks and the gates will be opened at 5am and closed at 8pm. There is plenty of parking available and a covered pavilion to have a place for drop bags. Bring your own food and hydration. We are also looking for volunteers to be at the pavilion to monitor the sign in/out logs, the mileage log for those interested and watch the drop bags.
For more information please contact -
Jeff Martin
jmartin999@live.com

Jean Hofschulte
ddwarrior34@yahoo.com

Brazos Bend 100

100Miler/50Miler/100MileRelay(5 Person)/26.2 Marathon/13.1
12 December 2015(Sat-Sun) 13 December 2015
Brazos Bend State Park-Needville, Texas

Description

The Brazos Bend 100 Miler will aim to be the fastest race in Texas and the NATION with its mostly flat course, easy aid stations and wildlife to watch its the perfect set up for some PRs and some records to be set.

Wildlife is diverse and abundant. The white-­tailed deer is the largest of more than 25 different species of mammals present, which also include bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, gray and red foxes, river otters, feral hogs and several species of rodents. Approximately 21 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded, and the smaller turtles, lizards, snakes and frogs are overshadowed in general interest by the American alligator, which is present mainly in the wetland areas of Elm, 40­-Acre and Pilant lakes. (Feeding/harassment of wildlife is prohibited.) Birds of 290 species have been sighted in and around the park. The diverse habitat is a haven for migratory waterfowl, a variety of shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds and raptors.

67% Finish Rate for the 100 mile in 2014 and 88% Finish Rate for the 50 mile in 2014

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/brazos-bend-100/

Texas Trails Endurance Run
Huntsville State Park, Huntsville, Texas
50 Mile, 50K, 20K
Saturday, December 12, 2015

Come join us and all your running friends for a great time in beautiful Huntsville State Park. Choose from the 20km, 50km, or the 50 miler . This is a great race on well marked trails with four well stocked aid stations per loop . Mark your Calendar! December 12, 2015, 20k, 50k, and 50 miles. Tech T-shirts for all entrants , finisher medals, finisher hoodies for 50km and 50 mi. finishers

http://solerssports.com/2015-texas-trails-endurance-run/

3rd Annual Snowdrop ULTRA 55 Hour Race & Relay

Sugar Land Memorial Park 15300 University Boulevard
Sugar Land, TX  77479

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

7:00 AM

Run, walk or crawl as many laps as you can in the allotted time of 55 hours.
When: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 7am To Friday, January 1, 2016 2pm
Where: Sugar Land Memorial Park 15300 University Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Why: Benefit Snowdrop Foundation, Inc.
What: Snowdrop 55 Hour Ultr
a Race is for Individuals or Teams of up to 10 runners.
The Course: The course is a flat, loop on crushed gravel

https://thedriven.net/annual-snowdrop-ultra-55-hour-race-and-relay.race_reg/eid/1599045789

Horseshoe Trail Run
50k, 25k, 10k, 5k
Jan 23rd 2016
Jack Brooks Park
Hitchcock, Texas 77563

Description

Jack Brooks Park is known as the toughest mountain bike trails in Houston. Good mix of climbing, drops and windy single track in the trees. The trail consist of primarily single track with some roots and whimsical running through the made made structures for mountain biking. Expect a wild, single track and rabbit chasing adventure through the park

http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=33895

 

Summer Trail Racing Preview

Texas Trail Racing Summer Calendar

LinksRun Houston Event #2
Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club
August 15, 2015 - 7:00pm
5K/10K/20K
http://lreventguides.strikingly.com/#hou-2

 

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club, a masterfully designed Greg Norman golf course, is nestled among a multitude of hardwood trees, creeks, lakes, and wetlands terrain, framed pleasantly by true native prairie grasses and wildflowers found in Katy, Tx. Meadowbrook is a links-style golf course located within a suburban community. What the terrain lacks in challenge or technicality, it more than makes up for with the surrounding beauty. The absence of any significant elevation, in combination with the firmer ground, will most likely produce the fastest race results of the series. Hang on to your water bottles!





Jalepeno de Sol 5k/10K/Kid's 1-Mile
Classic Elite Soccer Complex; San Antonio, Tx
August 15th, 2015

About this Event
The course for this chip timed race runs through heavily wooded, shady, dirt trails. Almost the entire race is in the shade of oak trees. The trails can be very rocky and uneven in places, as well as low branches so paying attention is critical. Trails are marked with flour on the ground, orange tape and directional arrow signs. All runners receive post race breakfast tacos, Zorrel tech shirt in men’s and women’s sizes, refreshments, and cerveza (for those of age), as part of your entry. Age group and overall awards are given in 10 yr increments.

 

Habanero Hundred 100M, 100K, 50k, 100M and relay
August 22nd-23rd 2015
Buescher State Park, Smithville, Texas

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/habanero-hundred

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The 7.2 mile loop is a lollipop loop with a mix of terrains along the 300 ft per loop of up and down. Most of the trails are either partial or under canopy. There are few exposed sections of the course but much of it has tree shade. The trails are rolling trails with a mix of small rocks, packed single track, sandy spots and pine needle trail.

LinksRun Houston Event #3
August 29th, 2015 - 7:00pm
Cypresswood Golf Club - Tradition
5K/10K/20K
http://www.linksrun.com/





Capt'n Karl's Reveille Peak Ranch 10K/30K/60K 
August 29th
Reveille Peak Ranch; Burnet, Texas
http://www.traverserunning.com/captn-karls-series/#reveille-peak-ranch

The fourth event in the Capt'n Karl's Trail Series

Our night time trail series concludes most appropriately at one of the best privately owned adventure parks in all of Texas, the amazing Reveille Peak Ranch! This park is located 55 miles northwest of Austin in the historic town of Burnet. The amenities at RPR are first class and we will be taking advantage of this by providing our runners, spectators and volunteers with a series finale party. But first, runners will be treated to unique and spectacular geological formations. Navigating over large rock domes with amazing views, while tackling the most elevation gain of our four venues (3812 ft). This course really has it all….single track, exposure, wood, service roads, hills and technicality. All to challenge even the most seasoned trail runner.

Houston Running/Hiking Trails List

Houston Running & Hiking Trail List

Below is a compiled list of Houston trails. Each one has a google map link for directions as well as a link to the park trail map. The list includes entrance fees and hour if applicable. This is a growing list so feel free to make recommendation for changes and it will be updated as time goes on.

https://www.facebook.com/HoustonTrailMagazine

Memorial Park (Ho Chi Minh Trails), Houston
Trail Running Center - http://goo.gl/atHuHz
Baseball Field Entrance (HATR) - http://goo.gl/McYlhX
Soccer Field Entrance (HTREX) - http://goo.gl/liumOh
Map (does not include “The Triangle”) - http://goo.gl/obIplU
Full Park Map - http://goo.gl/SBlUpV
The Triangle Route: http://goo.gl/XNjylB

Terry Hershey Park (The Anthills), Katy
Google Maps - http://goo.gl/3D0XQV
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/wWV0z3

Lake Houston Wilderness Park, New Caney
Sun - Thurs 7 AM – 6 PM Fri & Sat 7 AM – 8 PM
Gmail - http://goo.gl/5f1ps2
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/DPmC8U

River Bend Trail, Sugarland

GMaps/Trail Map - http://goo.gl/KLB5M0

Sugarland Memorial Park
GMaps - http://goo.gl/eR2bKA
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/pVPY8E
Trail Conditions/Updates - http://goo.gl/OXmvFP

Cypresswood Trails, Cypress
Mon-Friday 7 AM to 10 PM; Sat & Sun 8 AM to 10 PM
GMaps - http://goo.gl/maps/dciI0
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/Mpb9WB

Seabrook Trails, Seabrook
GMaps – http://goo.gl/GlUy6C
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/asPp9n

George Mitchell Preserve, The Woodlands
GMaps - http://goo.gl/CpJVfI
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/N2EwXB

Double Lake Recreation Area, Coldspring
Open 8:00AM – 8:30PM
GMaps - http://goo.gl/bnUOt7
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/n2CkQK

Stephen F Austin State Park, San Felipe
Entrance Fees-Adult (Day Use): $5 Daily Child <12: Free; Free w/State Park Pass
Gate is open 8 a.m – 10 p.m.GMaps - http://goo.gl/IAEW8n
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/CTBRc2

Brazos Bend State Park, Needsville

Entrance Fees-Adult (Day Use): $7 Daily Child <12: Free; Free w/State Park Pass
Sun-Thurs 8AM to 4:30PM  Fri-Sat: 8AM to 9:30PM
GMaps - http://goo.gl/OCAGQ4
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/u2Ovy4

Jack Brooks Park, Hitchcock
Gates Open 7:30-10:00PM
GMaps - http://goo.gl/sTuv0q
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/CfYCTm

Huntsville State Park, Huntsville
Entrance Fees-Adult (Day Use): $5 Daily Child <12: Free; Free w/State Park Pass
Gate is open 7 AM – 10 PM
GMaps - http://goo.gl/D3MEVb
Trail Map – http://goo.gl/iddL3B

Lone Star Hiking Trail
Trail/Parking Maps - http://lonestartrail.org/maps.html

Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze, TX
GMaps - http://goo.gl/LhWPc2
Trail Map - http://goo.gl/cyQ3nV

 

Houston Spring 2015 Trail Race Guide

Looking to do a trail race in or around the Houston Area this spring?
Welcome to our Spring 2015 Houston Trail Racing Guide.

 

Trail Racing Over Texas FREE RACE George Bush Park
Sunday, March 15, 2015 7a-1pm

Here we go again! Trail Racing Over Texas partnering with Team RWB will be holding a FREE RACE on March 15th.

There will be a loop course that we will mark the night before. The loop will be between 4.2-5.5 miles long in distance and will start and finish at the same place.

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/events/2015/3/15/trail-racing-over-texas-free-race-315-7a-1pm-at-george-bush-park

CLICK HERE to REGISTER---> https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=37154





Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K)
Event Date: March 14 & 15th, 2015



The race is held on the Seabrook nature trails surrounded by a diverse habitat of both fresh and salt marsh, the coastline of the Galveston Bay, wetlands, and wild-life and bird sanctuaries. The course consists of crushed granite surface. In addition to participating in a single race, runners can enter one of the challenges by finishing two races. This popular event has been known for its enthusiastic volunteers, great goodie bag and awesome post-race party.


http://seabrookmarathon.org/




The San Felipe Shootout 13.1M, 10k and 5k & Shootout(22.4)
 March 28th 2015
 Stephen F Austin State Park- San Felipe,Texas


The trails are primarily single track trails that are on soft ground, pine needles or soft clay. There is little to no elevation gain with only a few small rollers along the course.

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/san-felipe-shootout/









HARRA Tour de Bayou Cross Country FREE Races

Tuesdays in April at 6:00 PM


April 7 - Spotts Park
April 14 - White Oak @ Thelma
April 21 - Ho Chi Minh
  April 28 - Ho Chi Minh

https://harra.org/tour-de-bayou1







23rd Annual Hog's Hunt 50K/25K Trail Run
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015

 Start: At Shelter Number 1 adjacent to Lake Raven
Where: Huntsville State Park, approximately 6 miles south of Huntsville, Texas off of I-45 (exit 109)
Aid Stations: Eight fully stocked aid stations on 50K course; Four on 25K course
Course: Dirt trails & jeep roads through beautiful & scenic forest of Huntsville State Park - 25K loop looped course.

http://trail-race.com/stone/hogs_hunt/




Brazos Bend 50
50 mile, 50k, 25k and 10k
April 25, 2015
The Brazos Bend course is the fastest trail in texas trail running. The course is 99.9% flat with only one place where the hill is 10 feet. Other than that you will be running on flat surface that moves from hard crushed rock, soft trail under canopy and easy horse trails as well.

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/brazos-bend-50/





Horseshoe trail run

50k, 25k, 10k and 5k

Jack Brooks Park is known as the toughest mountain bike trails in Houston. Good mix of climbing, drops and windy single track in the trees. The trail consist of primarily single track with some roots and whimsical running through the made made structures for mountain biking. Expect a wild, single track and rabbit chasing adventure through the park.

http://www.trailracingovertexas.com/horseshoe-trail-run/






El Chupacabra de Houston 5K/10K

May 30, 2015 8:30PM

This is a night time trail run starting at 8:30PM followed by a killer post race party. We will start and finish at a pavillion at Lake Houston Park. Post race party will be held at the start / finish area. The course runs through heavily wooded dirt trails in pitch dark. A flashlight or headlamp is required as the trails are pitch black. It is up to you to provide your own quality lighting. The trails can have many tree roots and an uneven surface, so paying attention to footing is critical. Trails will be marked with glow sticks, directional arrows and tape in the trees. There will be one water stop at the half way point. All runners will recieve a post race party lasting until 1am, a name brand tech shirt, post race beer (for those of age), and BBQ as part of your entry. This is a fun run so no awards will be given but overall results and age group results will be posted. Overnight camping is available and encouraged. Run in Texas wants you to drink responsibly.

http://www.runintexas.com/houstonchupa




 

Hoka Bondi 4 Review

Hoka Bondi 4 Review

  
 
 
 

I’ve been a long time Hoka wearer and recently picked up a pair of the new itenneration of the Bondi. For the past few years the Bondi has been my go-to shoe for the majority of my training and the Bondi 2 was (until this model) the best and longest lasting running shoe I’ve worn as well. (over 600 miles) Both the Bondi 2 and 3 suffered from some serious design flaws though, so I was curious to see if they had been corrected.

The Bondi 2 had a bad problem in that the fabric upper began to rip apart from the sole on both shoes within 300 miles, rendering them useless for trail runs since they then had no lateral support. The Bondi 3 corrected this by providing a 2 layer upper that is much more resistant to tearing. The problem encountered was that the two layers together made the shoe extremely poor at draining water. The shoe would stay filled with water if any got inside, rendering it unusable in wet conditions or even during hot humid days during which it would fill with sweat. Another big issue with the Bondi 3 (as well as the Conquest) is that it had a very prominent heel cup which would rub against and erode away the skin on my Achilles. I solved this by cutting off the heel cups of both shoes. The Bondi 3 also had a very flimsy tongue and came with (removable) speed laces, which caused the shoe to fit loose overall, but tight across the top of the foot.

So far the Bondi 4 seems to have solved these problems. They went back to a breathable single layer upper which has firmer attachments in the lateral stress zones of the shoe. The heel cup is also further back and much better padding. They include two different stackable insoles for the shoe, allowing for a comfortable fit regardless of foot size. (my feet are pretty wide and it fits great with the smaller insole) Gone is the flimsy tongue and speed laces and the comfortable tongue and laces of the Bondi 2 are back. I haven’t had the opportunity to really get the shoe extremely wet and see how fast it drains but for the few rainy runs I have been on, it has performed well. They seemed to have made the foam slightly firmer making is handle faster paces a bit easier, but not too firm like Hoka did with the Conquest. I'm looking forward to continued training in these.

Overall I would give the Bondi 4 a 4.5/5 so far. It’s a great training shoe for road and soft trails and if prior experience hold true it should last for 600-800 miles. Still not my go-to shoe for racing, as I prefer the Stinson for running ultras in.

Disclaimer: I am not paid by Hoka or any shoe companies/sales forces. Actually I am not paid for this at all and paid a lot for my shoes, so enjoy an non-sponsored shoe review for once. If you want to share this review please credit me.

Navigating the Triangle at Memorial Park

The Triangle (Memorial Park) Route
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Elevation Change: ~240 ft gain/loss

The triangle is personally my favorite trail route in Memorial Park. Its the only part of the park with constant rolling hills without flat stretches and is similar in terrain for trail races like Hell's Hills/Horseshoe/Wild Hare. It does have a few hazards: the trail can get very slippery after rain making it is easy to lose your footing on the downhills and quick turns, it is also a bit more remote than the main Memorial Park Trails and passes under three roads and train tracks. While I have never encountered any nefarious characters on the route or have heard of anyone having problems on the trail, I would suggest avoiding the route during the dark or running it in a group. It can also be confusing to find, so I've put together a route guide.



1. The route starts at the Memorial Park Trail Center Parking lot.
2. Head over the bridge spanning Woodway Drive.
3. Take a sharp left turn (180 degrees) immediately after the end of the bridge. You will see a small single track trail heading towards the embankment under the train tracks.
4. Run across the embankment under the train tracks. You should see where the trail picks back up on the other side of the embankment picks back up. Take a hard right and you will run along a jeep trail parallel to the train tracks.
5. Take a left onto the single track trail right before the power line as shown in the picture. The is the official beginning of the triangle trail.
6. Shortly afterwards you will cross under two road crossings. Be careful as you cross under as these areas can flood after heavy rains and footing is rugged and inconsistent.
6-7. This section can be very slippery when wet, if you are wearing road shoes be careful not to slip on the downhills.
7. After following the single track trail for awhile you will come to the Hog's Wood loop. There is a map of the triangle immediately in front of you. If you take two lefts you will continue on the main triangle trail. I typically skip Hog's Wood since it is flat and has fallen tree trunks littering it, but it is an option if you want to add extra distance to the route.
8. You will come to the side of a steep concrete hill here. Turn left and you will continue along the triangle route. A right turn will take you to the Hog's Wood loop. This is a decent hill to do some short hill repeats on.
9.  After crossing under the road you will continue along the trail to your left and go up the hill. You will end up on the south side of Woodway Drive.
10. Continue east along Woodway drive to get back to the Trail Center

Another option for the route that avoid the confusing section at the beginning is to run it as an out and back in the opposite direction as listed above. Have fun running the triangle!

Below are pictures for each number section to help you navigate.



1

3

 4

 5

 6

 6-7

 6-7

 7

 7

 7

 8

 8

 9

 10