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Big Bend Ultra
- Date
- Sunday, January 17, 2027– Monday, January 18, 2027
- Location
- 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX, 79852
Jan 17 Sunday, 2027
Registration open· closes Jan 17, 2027 Register Now Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When and where is Big Bend Ultra?
Big Bend Ultra is on Sunday, January 17, 2027 through Monday, January 18, 2027 in Terlingua, Texas. The first event starts at 5:30 AM local time. Distances: 10K, ultra and trail run. Current entry fees run $125 to $240 on RunSignup, before processing fees. Online registration is open and closes Jan 17, 2027.
Big Bend Ultra race guide
The Big Bend Ultra is a desert trail race in Big Bend Ranch State Park on Sunday, January 17, 2027, its 23rd year, with 10K, 20K, 35K, 55K and 100K distances. Every race starts and finishes at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center. The course is remote, with no cell service and the nearest hospital about 100 miles away in Alpine.
- Start & finish
- Barton Warnock Visitor Center
- Park
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- 100K start
- 5:30 a.m.
- Cell service
- None on course
- 100K finishers
- Belt buckle
- Minimum age
- 18 (or guardian signs)
Big Bend Ultra FAQ
What time does the Big Bend Ultra start?
The 100K starts at 5:30 a.m., the 55K at 7, the 35K at 8, the 20K at 8:30 and the 10K at 9 (Central time) on Sunday, January 17, 2027. The 100K window runs to 1 a.m.; the 55K ends at 6:30 p.m. and the shorter races by 4:30 p.m.
How much does the Big Bend Ultra cost?
Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: 100K $240 ($260 from November 15); 55k $175 ($185 from November 15); 35k $145 ($155 from November 15); 20k $135 ($145 from November 15); 10k $125 ($135 from November 15). Prices in parentheses are the next RunSignup tier.
Where is the Big Bend Ultra?
All distances start and finish at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center in Big Bend Ranch State Park, but runners can’t park there on race day. Big Bend Ranch is a gold-tier International Dark Sky Park.
What gear is required for the Big Bend Ultra?
A passport or ID for every distance, at least 1 liter of carried water for the 55K and 100K, and a smartphone and whistle for the 100K. The course is remote with no cell service; radio coverage comes from the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club’s repeaters.
What do Big Bend Ultra finishers get?
100K finishers get a belt buckle; everyone else gets a handmade clay medal and a post-race meal. Awards go three deep overall, to the first masters runners (50+) and to age-group winners.
Who benefits from the Big Bend Ultra?
Part of the proceeds go to the Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Big Bend Trail Alliance.
Can I transfer my Big Bend Ultra entry?
Registration is non-refundable, including if the race is postponed or canceled. Bibs can be transferred through RunSignup up to 30 days before race day. Runners must be 18 or older, or have a parent or guardian sign.
Race facts checked November 8, 2026 against Trail Roots: Big Bend Ultra, RunSignup: Big Bend Ultra, Trail Roots: race regulations and Trail Roots: legal and refunds. Entry fees come from RunSignup. Always confirm details with the race before you travel.
Events & distances
| Event | Distance | Start | Entry fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100K | 62 Miles | Jan 17, 2027, 5:30 AM | $240.00 until Nov 14, 2026 | Opens Jul 4, 2026 · Closes Jan 17, 2027 |
| 55k | Ultra | Jan 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $175.00 until Nov 14, 2026 | Opens Jul 4, 2026 · Closes Jan 17, 2027 |
| 35k | 19 Miles | Jan 17, 2027, 8:00 AM | $145.00 until Nov 14, 2026 | Opens Jul 4, 2026 · Closes Jan 17, 2027 |
| 20k | 12.5 Miles | Jan 17, 2027, 8:30 AM | $135.00 until Nov 14, 2026 | Opens Jul 4, 2026 · Closes Jan 17, 2027 |
| 10k | 6.1 Miles | Jan 17, 2027, 9:00 AM | $125.00 until Nov 14, 2026 | Opens Jul 4, 2026 · Closes Jan 17, 2027 |
Fees shown are the RunSignup price tier in effect now, before processing fees. Times are local to the race.
About Big Bend Ultra
In 2004, a wild idea was hatched: an ultra trail race in Big Bend. It had never been done. The logistics were impossible. Big Bend national and state parks are huge: over 300,000 acres and several hours from San Antonio. Water is scarce. Fuel is scarce. Transportation is scarce. The isolation also means it has lowest light pollution of any park in the lower 48 states: making it a fantastic place for stargazing. This was the beginning of a truly great event that has been held annually ever since. This year Carroll Voss, Erik Stanley, and the team of volunteers and competitors with Trail Roots are looking forward to the best race yet.
Description provided by the race organizer via RunSignup.
Race data provided by RunSignup and refreshed every morning(last sync Nov 12, 2026). Registration happens on RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Always confirm dates and details on the official race page.
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