Information
Check out our Facebook page(Wild Azalea Trail Runners) for up-to-minute details on all things Wild Azalea Trail Challenge https://www.facebook.com/groups/1391359727781225
2026 Wild Azalea
Welcome to the 14th annual Wild Azalea!! Fourteen years ago, we started this event on a "wing and a prayer" to bring together like-minded trail runners and bikers to converge on the Wild Azalea Trail for a mix of suffering and fun. Due to the overwhelming support from trail folks, this event has morphed into the largest trail extravaganza in the State. With that said, we formally invite you to join us for the 14th annual Wild Azalea, slated for January 3, 2026, at 6:00 am in the Evangeline Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest, just outside Alexandria, Louisiana. At 26 miles, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest continuous trail in the entire state of Louisiana. No other trail even comes close to the beauty and topography that abounds along the Wild Azalea. We still believe that the "old school way" of running and biking trails is the only way. So don't expect a finisher's tea set, official finish photo, key chains, finish line bell-ringing parade, or other civilized sundries. We go for great trials, pain, suffering, joy, trail rash, beer, gumbo, and jambalaya (not necessarily in that order). The Wild Azalea is a well-maintained and mapped trail system, so navigation will be easy and reasonable. You won't get lost, period!!
The trail includes visible 1/2 mile markers. There will be 6 participant classes: The party starts at 6:00 am for the 50-mile run. The 10K Run, 13.1 Mile Run, 27 Mile Ultra Run, 27 and 50 Mile Mountain Bike will follow. Look for the official Word doc to be sent to all participants, including corresponding start times the week of the race. Along the trail, you will pass through various ecosystems that will convince you you are not in Louisiana. Parts of the trail are lower, with hardwoods and lazy creeks creating a beautiful backdrop to your adventure. Other features are higher and hillier, with the Longleaf Pines gracing your path to the Finish line.
Cutt-Off for all races is 8:00 pm (14 hours for 50 miles), or when we run out of beer, whichever comes first. Please feel free to check out our Facebook link for all things Wild Azalea. It will serve as the race portal for all updates, additional info, and a forum for asking any questions related to the race.
And remember, this will be an official "NO WHINING" trail run, so don't enter if you are a "Wendy Whiner" or want us to pamper your every need. Our prices remain the cheapest in the region for trail running, and unlike other races that require a HELOC loan to enter, we're committed to keeping it that way. We've been price-gouged ourselves by these blood suckers and don't believe we should treat our participants with that discourtesy. All participants will receive our famous authentic Wild Azalea T-Shirt, and for this year, the option of purchasing a lightweight hoodie.
Event's current local time: 10:54 AM CT
