Bandera 50K is a 50km ultra marathon in Bandera, United States. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 1,600m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 30/100). DNF rate: 8%. Time limit: 9h. Surface: trail. Established 2004.
Bandera 50K
Bandera, Texas, United States
"50km in the Texas Hill Country. Rocky limestone trails, relentless hills, and a Western States qualifier."
A tough Texas 50K on rocky Hill Country trails — a beloved Western States qualifier and early-season benchmark race.
The Course
A Texas Hill Country loop on rocky limestone trails through cedar and oak woodland. The course features sharp, rocky terrain and relentless short climbs. Despite modest total elevation, the constant up-and-down on technical terrain makes this much harder than it looks.
hilly
loop
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
10°C
2° – 18°
55%
15%
Texas winter — cool mornings, pleasant afternoons. Much milder than northern races.
Stats & Records
2004
350
06:30:00
03:32:00
Jim Walmsley (2017)
Entry
$95
August
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Bandera 50K in the Texas Hill Country is one of America's classic 50K trail races — a rocky, technical course through live oak and cedar forest that has served as many Texan runners' introduction to trail ultrarunning. The Bandera terrain is deceptively punishing: sharp limestone rocks, creek crossings, and relentless short climbs through the Hill Country. The race is held in January, making it a popular early-season fitness test and a qualifier for longer events.
- ▸ Bandera is a qualifying race for Western States 100, making it very competitive each year.
- ▸ The Texas Hill Country terrain is deceptively difficult — the rocky limestone demands constant attention.
- ▸ Jim Walmsley's course record of 3:32 demonstrated elite-level speed on the technical course.
- ▸ The cedar pollen in January earns this area the nickname 'Cedar Fever Country.'
- ▸ Established in 2004.
Bandera is where Texas trail running starts. Rocky Hill Country terrain that'll humble a road runner in the first 5K.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Bandera 50K? +
Bandera 50K is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 1,600m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Bandera 50K? +
Bandera 50K is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 30/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 8%. Runners have 9 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Bandera 50K? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range 2°C to 18°C) with 55% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. Texas winter — cool mornings, pleasant afternoons. Much milder than northern races.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Bandera 50K? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Bandera 50K? +
The men's course record is 03:32:00 set by Jim Walmsley in 2017.
What is the average finish time for Bandera 50K? +
The average finish time is 06:30:00. About 350 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 8%.
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