Description

The trails are primarily single and double tracks that is on soft ground of mixed gravel/dirt/silt. There is little to no elevation gain with only a few small rollers along the course. Trails are rated "easy". This is a fun night of trail running with lots of festivities, lights, music, costumes and fun atmosphere.

Two Mandatory items: Do not forget a headlamp (or two) and fresh batteries!!! A cup or bottle (all TROT races are “cupless races”).

Costumes, decorations, and lights are encouraged. We will award the TOP 2 COSTUMES a free TROT race!

Schedule

Saturday, September 17th

Packet Pickup: 4 PM to 8:30 PM
Marathon Start: 6 PM
Half Marathon Start: 7:00 PM
10k Start: 7:30 PM
5k Start: 8:00 PM

Finish line closes (all races cut-off): 2:00 AM (Sunday)

Pre-race meetings will occur 10-minutes before the start of each event on the open parking area in front of the arch to begin gathering runners.

No awards ceremony (top 3 overall and masters for each event will receive awards upon completion). Medals will be handed out as soon as you finish.

Free photos will be loaded to the TROT Facebook page and published race results to UltraSignup within 5-days.

Location / Driving / Parking

Stephen F. Austin State Park

Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/YNsT8QkBTmrNqb3W9

Take the San Felipe exit off of Interstate 10 and head North on 1458 for two miles, follow signs for the State Park.

Please be careful driving, especially after the race. If you are too fatigued, please stay at the park or share a ride. I-10 is in much better condition but still under construction in places.

Do not speed in the park. We have a road crossing for the trail race. An officer will be monitoring for both speed and parking enforcement.

Park Passes

There is a $5 special event park fee per person 13yo and up (annual park passes do not apply for special events). This money goes directly to the State Park. Park passes are available ahead of time at online checkout on UltraSignup, the TROT website, or in-person at packet pickup (Zelle and PayPal preferred, cash accepted with a limited amount of change). All passes will be picked up at packet pickup, wrist bands should be worn throughout the event otherwise you will be asked to purchase one. You can pick up park passes for other people. Volunteers and children 12 and under are the only ones exempt from this.

Parking

Right from the very first person to arrive, we need to start parking in an organized manner, please do not take up more room than you need to get out.

Park staff will guide you into the park, staying to the right and onto the main loop, which will be one-way traffic, towards the start/finish at the far back of the park. Parking will be on the right side of the road only. Bunch up and make some room for everyone. Vehicles parked illegally, blocking, etc. are subject to tickets and towing.

Course

There have been some slight modifications to this year's courses to simplify and utilize as many of the trails as possible with the park being in such great condition. Distances are accurate per event.

We will start with the original descent down the stairs (be careful and take your time), this will have two-way traffic as runners come in and out for their loops. All runners will make an immediate left-hand turn to follow the loop counterclockwise around the park. At mile 3 there will be a fork where 5k/10k runners will go left up the hill, and the half/full runners will go right (onto Sycamore Trail). 5k/10k runners will make a left in ~0.1mi to come up the stairs and finish the loop under the arch. Half/Full runners will have a straight shot to run up the stairs and under the arch to finish their loops.

Marathon (8 loops) and Half Marathon (4 loops) same loop as 5k/10k but with the Sycamore Trail add-on at mile 3 of each loop.

10k (2 loops) and 5k (1 loop) same loop as half/full but without the Sycamore Trail.


ALL RUNNERS ascend the stairs at the completion of EVERY loop, pass through the archway (one-way traffic only through the arch), and over the timing pads before leaving for their next loop around the side of the arch (unless you are finished). Once you finish a loop under the archway you are welcome to use the aid station, washrooms, your own supplies, take a break, etc. before heading back out on the loop - you DO NOT go through the archway to start your next loop (one-way traffic through the arch).


Aid Station

The aid station is for runners access only, upon completion of each loop, for fueling and hydration. We will have a full aid station but without cooking. Please plan on bringing your own meal or snack if you are at the park for an extended period or need more substantial food, there will be no meal options provided in the park.


Loop Details

Will be sufficiently marked with flagging, arrows, and reflectors. The only Aid Station is at the main start/finish area. You may also set out your own chair/blanket in the grass area behind the aid station.

Start/Finish at top of the Stairs
Ironwood Trail (left)
Opossum Trail
Brazos Bottom Trail
Cottonwood Trail
Pileated Trail
Ironwood Trail
Barred Owl Trail
Ironwood Trail (5k/10k) (left) / Sycamore Trail (Half/Full) (right)

5k: 1 loop (~3.1mi)

10k: 2 loops (~6.2mi)

Half: 4 loops (~13.2mI)

Full: 8 loops (~26.4mi)


Half/Full Loop Strava Map with GPX: https://www.strava.com/routes/3005718881104910914


5k/10k Loop Strava Map with GPX: https://www.strava.com/routes/3005718266972207922


SFA State Park Trails Map: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4504_0051h.pdf


SFA State Park Map:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4504_051d.pdf

Packet Pickup, Park Passes, and Merchandise

Packet pickup will be located at the main start/finish area inside of the group screen shelter. Check in with our volunteers and follow their instructions for receiving your swag item, bib, and wristband(s). TROT merchandise will be available for purchase.

Awards

AWARDS:
Winners Awards 5k, 10k, 13.1 and 26.2
Male & Female
Overall Top 3 Top 2 Masters (50+)


Medal 26.2 all finishers
Medal 13.1 all finishers
Medal 10k all finshers
Medal 5k all finishers

Local time: 2:41 PM