by Rob Goyen, RD
The Brazos Bend 100 is on the fast track to becoming the fastest trail in Texas and is located just 25 miles south of Houston on Brazos Bend State Park. The Brazos Bend 100 will offer a variety of distances including a 100 miler, 50 miler, 26.2 marathon, 13.1 half marathon and 100 miler 4 person relay as well. The trails at Brazos Bend State Park are flat, non technical and fast. With less than 200 ft of elevation gain for an entire 100 mile race the trails are set up for first time trail runners, PRs and hopefully breaking some of the 100 mile records. The 100 milers will have 30 miles to complete the distance and the 50 milers will have 29 hours as well.
Brazos Bend State Park Observation Tower
Brazos Bend State Park which is home to the race is located on 5000 acres of land that resides on the banks of the Brazos River. Wildlife is diverse and abundant. The white-Âtailed 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, 40Â-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.
The park is most notable known for the hundreds of large American Alligators that roam the lakes among the park. This is one of the few places you will ever find to get to see wild Alligators crossing the trails, laying on the banks and swimming without fear of an incident. The park has never had an incident with any alligators in the 20+ years that it has been open.
The Brazos Bend 100 also uses the unique layout of the park to provide an easy course layout and fast times. We will have 4 full aid stations that will provide all the runners needs along the 25 mile loop as well as 5 more water/gel only stations as well. These stations will ensure that runners are never more than a few miles from a refill or a friendly face. Included in the 4 full aid stations will be full restrooms as we will utilize the parks facilities to make it as easy as possible for runners as well as 3 of them will have covered rest areas for those looking to rest in a 100 miler.
In True Texas Hospitality we will be serving a FULL HOLIDAY DINNER on the 13th from 8p-12a as we want our finishers and also those on the course to really get the full Texas Welcome with a full meal.
As far as travel goes the Brazos Bend State Park is just 25 mile south of Houston and 20 minutes away from Hobby Airport. The park has ample camping for those who love to camp and also hotels that are less than 20 miles away. The park has ample parking and we will have shuttle buses running in the park from overflow spots so that you never have to haul it all too far.
With the Brazos Bend 100 we will donate back to local charities that serve our area. We donate back to the Volunteer Organization at the park, Snowdrop Foundation and also support Team RWB with our races.
The best part about the Brazos Bend 100 is the same exact reason why 500 registered for the Brazos Bend 50 in April this past year. You have Race Directors that care about the runners, the best volunteers you can ask for and a wildlife experience that you can’t find in any other park in the country.
Come join us in December.
Brazos Bend 100
30 Hour Cutoff
Brazos Bend State Park
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