Rocky Raccoon Trail Run
Up to 100 miles of racing through the Pineywoods
Huntsville- Think you’ve got what it takes to conquer a 100 miles of the Pineywoods of East Texas? In a few weeks, runners from all over the United States will converge on Huntsville State Park for the 20th Annual Rocky Raccoon Trail Run Saturday, February 4.
This annual run through the Pineywoods is sponsored by Tejas Trails, Hammer Nutrition, Champion, The North face and Huntsville State Park. Running clubs from all across Texas show up and assist with the race.
There will be two challenging courses available for runners. If you aren’t up to the 100-mile-trail, you can compete in the 50-mile-trail run. The course is runnable, although the terrain is challenging. There are hills and a 5,000 ft elevation change in the 100-mile race.
The Rocky Raccoon 100-mile and 50-mile trail races are some of the best organized races in the country. The 100-mile race consists of five 20 mile loops within the Huntsville State Park, while the 50 is three loops within the park. The 100-mile trail has a cut-off time of 30 hours, and the 50-mile cut-off is 29 hours. The 100-mile race begins at 6:00 a.m. and the 50-mile race will begin at 7:00 a.m.
Each aid station is staffed by ultra running volunteers, most of which have competed in 100-mile races. The North Texas Trail Runners from Dallas Fort Worth, the Hill Country Trail Runners from Austin and San Antonio, and the Houston Trail Runners all show up to support the race by taking over aid stations. The aid stations are full service, with warm soup and food at night to keep you going in the race if you need it. These volunteers want you to complete the race and offer more encouragement than sympathy. Most aid stations are three to four miles apart. However, the Dam Road loop for the 100-mile race is six miles.
Pacers are allowed for the 100-mile runners during the last two loops, beginning at mile 60. Runners over 60-years of age can have pacers for the entire 100 miles if they choose to.
The Rocky Raccoon Trail Run is likely to sell out in, as there is a cap of 750 runners in the 100-mile trail race and only 200 runners are allowed in the 50-mile trail race.
Maps
Itinerary
Awards
(Matching awards for Male & Female)
Overall – 1st – 5th
Masters (50+) – 1st – 3rd
17&under – 1st
18-29 – 1st
30-39 – 1st
40-49 – 1st
50-59 – 1st
60-69 – 1st
70+ – 1st
Buckles – Sub 24 hour 100-mile finishers
Buckles – Over 24 hour 100-mile finishers
Medals – 50-mile finishers