Hells Hills Trail Race
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Event overview
The Hells Hills Trail Race takes place on April 4, 2026 at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas (578 FM 153, Smithville, TX 78957). The race program includes the following events:
- 50 mile
- 50 km
- 25 km
- 10 km
- 25 km Ruck
- 10 km Ruck
- Youth 1-mile (ages 1-12, untimed, finisher medal)
Camping is available onsite at Rocky Hill Ranch. There is a merchandise and swag program with a shirt cutoff on March 10.
Course and logistics
Course routing uses laps: the 10 km and 25 km are single loops, the 50 km is two ~15.5 mile laps, and the 50 mile is three ~16.67 mile laps. The trails are single-track with short, steep hills, stream crossings, bridges, pine stands, and areas of wildflowers. The course is extensively marked with caution tape, directional arrows, and confidence markers; reflectors are used for night sections. The event is cupless - runners must carry their own cup or bottle for fluids.
Aid support includes two full on-course aid stations, a start/finish "Saloon" station, a self-support station, and a temporary 10 km water/snack station at about 3.7 miles; supplies are placed roughly every 2.8 - 4.5 miles. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish area only; there is no on-course drop-bag delivery service. All races are chip timed with ankle chips. Ruck division rules specify 20 lb for participants under 150 lb and 30 lb for those over 150 lb, with mandatory weigh-ins. Awards include top 3 male/female and masters categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.