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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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)
35%
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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