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Brazos Bend 100
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026– Sunday, December 6, 2026
Dec 05 Saturday, 2026
Registration open· closes Dec 7, 2026 Register Now Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When and where is Brazos Bend 100?
Brazos Bend 100 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 through Sunday, December 6, 2026 in Needville, Texas. The first event starts at 6:00 AM local time. Distances: kids run, half marathon, marathon, ultra and trail run. Current entry fees run $10 to $300 on RunSignup, before processing fees. Online registration is open and closes Dec 7, 2026.
Brazos Bend 100 race guide
The Brazos Bend 100 is a 100-mile, 100K, marathon and half marathon at Brazos Bend State Park near Needville, southwest of Houston, on December 5, 2026, its 12th year. The course is nearly flat gravel, shaded trail and horse trail starting and finishing at Elm Lake. The 100 mile has a 32-hour limit and is a Western States qualifier; RunSignup shows every distance full with a waitlist.
- Venue
- Brazos Bend State Park
- Start/finish
- Elm Lake
- 100M limit
- 32 hours
- Western States
- 100M qualifier
- Terrain
- Nearly flat
- Status
- Full, waitlist
Brazos Bend 100 FAQ
When does the Brazos Bend 100 start?
Saturday, December 5, 2026: the 100 mile at 6 a.m., the 100K at 7 a.m., the marathon at 8 a.m. and the half marathon at 8:30 a.m. The free kids kilometer runs from noon to 12:30 p.m. All finish lines close at 2 p.m. Sunday.
How much does the Brazos Bend 100 cost?
Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: 100M $300; 100K $250; 26.2M $175; 13.1M $150.
Is the Brazos Bend 100 sold out?
RunSignup lists the 100 mile, 100K, marathon and half marathon as full, each with a waiting list.
Is the Brazos Bend 100 flat?
The race calls it nearly pancake-flat. The course uses crushed-gravel paths, shaded hiking trails and smooth horse trails, starting and finishing at Elm Lake.
Is Brazos Bend 100 a Western States qualifier?
Yes. A 100-mile finish under 32 hours earns a Western States lottery ticket, and Western States lists the December 2026 race for its 2028 lottery.
Do Brazos Bend finishers get a buckle?
100-mile and 100K finishers earn a Brazos Bend belt buckle, with sub-time buckles while supplies last, and the design changes every year. The top three men and women in the 100 mile split an $800 / $400 / $200 purse.
Are pacers and crews allowed at Brazos Bend 100?
Pacers can run the last two loops of the 100 mile or the last loop of the 100K, on foot and one at a time, joining and leaving only at Elm Lake; the marathon and half have no pacers. Pacer registration opens on RunSignup in the final month. Sawmill is the only aid station crews can drive to, and crews cannot use aid-station supplies.
Do you need a state park pass for Brazos Bend 100?
Park entry is included for registered runners, pacers and volunteers. Guests 13 and older need a guest pass sold in the race’s RunSignup store, and annual Texas State Parks passes are not accepted for race entry.
Can you camp at Brazos Bend 100?
State park campsites have to be reserved online and there is no car camping at Elm Lake. Primitive camping and no-hookup RV spots are available across the street at Brazos Bend RV Park.
What is the minimum age for the Brazos Bend 100?
16 for the 100 mile and 100K, 12 for the marathon and 10 for the half marathon. RunSignup lists no refunds for this race.
Race facts checked November 8, 2026 against Trail Racing Over Texas: Brazos Bend 100, RunSignup: Brazos Bend 100, RunSignup: refund policy and Western States: qualifying races. Entry fees come from RunSignup. Always confirm details with the race before you travel.
Events & distances
| Event | Distance | Start | Entry fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100M | 100 Miles | Dec 5, 2026, 6:00 AM | $300.00 until Dec 5, 2026 | Opens Feb 13, 2026 · Closes Dec 5, 2026 |
| 100K | 100K | Dec 5, 2026, 7:00 AM | $250.00 until Dec 5, 2026 | Opens Feb 13, 2026 · Closes Dec 5, 2026 |
| 26.2M | 26.2 Miles | Dec 5, 2026, 8:00 AM | $175.00 until Dec 5, 2026 | Opens Apr 11, 2026 · Closes Dec 5, 2026 |
| 13.1M | 13.1 Miles | Dec 5, 2026, 8:30 AM | $150.00 until Dec 5, 2026 | Opens Apr 11, 2026 · Closes Dec 5, 2026 |
| Brazos Kids Kilometer | 1K | Dec 5, 2026, 12:00 PM | $0.00 until Dec 5, 2026 | Opens Apr 11, 2026 · Closes Dec 5, 2026 |
| Ultra Pacer | 16 Miles | Dec 5, 2026, 12:00 PM | $10.00 until Dec 6, 2026 | Opens Nov 1, 2026 · Closes Dec 7, 2026 |
Fees shown are the RunSignup price tier in effect now, before processing fees. Times are local to the race.
About Brazos Bend 100
December 5th, 2026
Sponsored by Altra Running and NeverSecond
Western States 100 Lottery Qualifier (sub 32-hour 100-mile) with 119 qualifiers in 2024 and 133 qualifier in 2025!
This is the December edition of our popular Brazos Bend races with the marquee event being the 100-mile. 2026 is the 12th Annual Brazos Bend 100!
Flat trails. Big wildlife. Texas-sized support. Welcome to the Brazos Bend 100, where your next adventure is waiting just south of Houston and Sugar Land.
Run beneath towering, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, alongside scenic lakes and bayous, and through one of Texas’ most beautiful state parks. Brazos Bend is home to an incredible variety of birds and wildlife—including the famous American alligator. Keep your distance, enjoy the view, and you might leave with your most memorable race photo yet!
With a nearly pancake-flat course featuring crushed gravel paths, shaded hiking trails, and smooth horse trails, Brazos Bend is built for first-time trail runners and experienced ultrarunners chasing a personal best. December typically brings favorable running weather, although Texas always keeps things interesting.
Come for the buckle. Stay for the community. Our 100-mile and 100K finishers earn a distinctive Brazos Bend belt buckle, supported by an enthusiastic volunteer community and Texas-sized aid stations around the course. Expect overly stocked buffet tables, encouragement, and people ready to help you keep moving toward your finish.
Chasing Western States? The 100-mile race offers an early opportunity to earn your qualifying finish and take another step toward the starting line in Olympic Valley.
You don’t have to run an ultra to experience the adventure. The half marathon and marathon are a perfect introduction to trail running and the atmosphere of an ultra weekend. Bring the family, cheer on your runners, and let the little adventurers enjoy the free kids race.
Buckle on the Bayou at Brazos Bend with Trail Racing Over Texas.
Complete the 50K or 50M in April, AND the 100K or 100M in December of the same calendar year to earn the Brazos Bend Challenge Coin.
Cutoff Times: for ALL races, the finish line closes on Sunday at 2 PM (32h 100M, 31h 100k, 31.5h Marathon, 31h Half Marathon). Final lap starts will be assessed to meet the course time limit at the discretion of the race director and staff.
Information for the 2026 event is continuing to be updated as we get closer to event day. We do not expect any major changes, but stay tuned to your email for updates. The RunSignup page is your best place for event information. Please try our AI Chatbot to ask any questions you may have. Your RunSignup account is the best place to update or make changes to your registration with lots of options available depending the proximity to race day.
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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