2024 RACE WEEK INFO [Updated April 3]
2024 Race Week Info
Please read the below sections for full race information, this first section is for race week information and FAQ:
PARK PASSES: Runners and pacers have passes as part of UltraSignup registration (mandatory add-on). All other guests: pre-purchase your special events state park pass (the Annual State Park Passes are NOT valid during special events at all State Parks for all types of events) via TROT STORE. Every person 13 and over entering the park will require a special events state park pass for the weekend which includes park entry, trail & facility use. This fee goes directly to Brazos Bend State Park. Receipt of digital payment should be shown at packet pickup in exchange for wristbands for the weekend. You may pick up pre-purchased wristbands for others with a digital receipt. No vehicle placard.
CARPOOL: It is critical that we reduce the number of vehicles coming into the park to allow room for everyone. Please link up with fellow runners or use our Facebook TROT Group to find a ride.
DAY TENTS & CAMPING: You can set up your day area (for Saturday) starting on Friday at Noon around the Elm Lake Pavilion grass area. Please leave room for all official race tents and the course line. You can not camp overnight in the Elm Lake Pavilion area, any of the parking lots, or anywhere inside the park unless you have reserved a campsite through the state online reservation system. See below section on accommodations.
BRAZOS BEND RV, The RV/ATV Mud Park across from the street has car camping and RV Parking (no hookups). Water will be available. Grey water can be open. Black water closed. No need to contact BBRV, they have room for you. https://www.bbrvtx.com/rv-park PURCHASE BBRV CAMP / RV PASS HERE
BATHROOMS:
Elm Lake: Facility and Porta-Cans
40 Acre: Facility with Water
Nature Center: Facility with Water and Porta-Cans
Sawmill: Porta-Cans
Big Creek: None
SHUTTLES:
Two school buses will run to and from Elm Lake Pavilion to all parking areas inside the park from 4 AM to 7 PM. A small shuttle will run throughout after 7 PM by request / as needed. It is recommended you arrive at least one hour before your event and park in designated parking only. Follow direction by park staff who are monitoring the available spaces at each lot starting at the Nature Center (walkable to start), to 40 Acre, to Over Flow, to Hale Lake, and other areas. See map below.
LIVE (UNOFFICIAL) RESULTS: See the link in the TROT header / main menu for live results on Webscorer/TROT. Expect a delay due to reception. Results will move to UltraSignup along with a pos-event request form for any reviews needed. DO NOT inquire about results/discrepancies on race day, until after post-race email.
PACKET PICKUP: You can pick up Tuesday at Good Times Running, and Friday or Saturday (arrive early) at Elm Lake Pavilion Start/Finish in the park. You can pickup for other runners and pickup park passes.
FOOD TRUCK: To be updated once confirmed (taking inquiries)
Course details and maps has been updated below and on UltraSignup.
BRING YOUR OWN CUP/BOTTLE/FLASK - mandatory carry your own hydration device.
50 Mile runners need to start with a headlamp (sunrise at 7 AM)
Dropbag: At Sawmill only, leave at Elm Lake Pavilion Drop Bag area for transport.
NO LITTERING - ALL TRASH GOES IN A GARBAGE CAN - ANY TRASH OUTSIDE OF A GARBAGE CAN IS GROUNDS FOR DQ
VOLUNTEERS - a few are still needed, register here.
Event Description
This is the April edition of our popular Brazos Bend races with the marquee event being the 50-mile.
Registration for the Brazos Bend 100 (Dec 7) opens on April 1st on RunSignup.
The Brazos Bend course is the fastest trail in Texas trail running. The course is 99.9% flat, and the only hill is 10 feet. Other than that you will be running on flat surfaces that move from hard crushed rock, soft hiking trails under tree canopy, and easy horse trails. Conditions in the Spring are typically warm and humid but can still start with some cooler mornings. Brazos Bend is a spectacular State Park located just South of Houston/Sugar Land and is most known for its abundance of birds and American Alligators among other wildlife. The gators are a part of our race, there has never been an incident in the park. Enjoy them on your run, from a distance, and you may get some unique race photos!
- FASTEST TRAIL IN THE USA -
2019 PATRICK REAGAN FASTEST 100M ON A REAL TRAIL 12:21:43
2019 CALUM NEFF FASTEST 50K ON TRAIL IN THE YEAR 2:59:00
2016 CAROLINE BOLLER 50 MILE WOMENS TRAIL RECORD 5:48:01
2016 MAGGIE GUTERL 3RD FASTEST 100 MILE RUN IN THE US 14:47:02
2024 Schedule
TUESDAY, APRIL 2ND
Noon - 7:00 PM: Bib Pickup at Good Times Running Co.
22764 Westheimer Pkwy #650, Katy, TX 77450
YOU CAN PICKUP FOR OTHER RUNNERS AND PICKUP PARK PASSES
FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH
Noon - 7:00 PM: Packet and Park Pass Pickup, Runner Support Area Setup, and Bag Drop at Elm Lake Pavilion Start/Finish, Brazos Bend State Park - proceed directly to Elm Lake for Park Pass.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH
4:00 AM School Bus Shuttle Begins between from Nature Center/40 Acre/Main Entrance Parking Lots to Elm Lake Start/Finish
4:00 AM - 5:30 AM: Bag Drop at Elm Lake Pavilion
4:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Packet Pickup at Elm Lake Pavilion
ALL RACES START AND FINISH AT ELM LAKE PAVILLION
6 AM: 50-MILE START
7 AM: 50-KILOMETER START
7:45 AM: 25K START
8:30 AM: 10K START
9:00 AM: 5K START
9:00 PM: FINISH LINE CLOSES (FINAL CUTOFF FOR ALL RACES)
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ARRIVE (PARK) AT LEAST ONE HOUR PRIOR TO YOUR EVENT TO ALLOW TIME FOR SHUTTLE AND PACKET PICKUP. YOUR TIME STARTS WHEN THE GUN GOES FOR YOUR EVENT, NOT WHEN YOU CROSS THE START LINE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE TUESDAY OR FRIDAY PACKET PICKUPS.
Cutoffs
The 50-mile has a cutoff of 15H from the start of the race (gun time). No finishers, for any event, will be official after 9:00 PM. ALL RACES CLOSE AT 9 PM.
The race director will monitor the progress of athletes and make a call on the final lap cutoff based on the ability to complete within the time limit. All runners must be off the course at 9:00 PM.
Dropdown & Event Change
You may change your registered event during open registration on UltraSignup per the TROT policies. If you can no longer attend please remove yourself on UltraSignup to avoid a DNS status in results. Credits close 30 days before race day, no exceptions.
Aid Station and Support
Brazos Bend 50 will have a total of four fully stocked aid stations on the course. Depending on your event distance you will visit between 1 and 5 aid stations each loop. ALL runners must carry a form of hydration (bottle, flask, bladder, etc.) there will be NO cups at the aid stations. 10k runners should especially carry what they need as there is a long section before the full aid station (water/Gatorade between).
See the course map and aid station distances below:
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Start/Finish Main Aid Station and Personal Support Area - for all events post-race and between laps
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Nature Center Aid (NO 40-Acre)
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Big Creek Aid for 25k, 50k, and 50M visited twice during the loop inbound/outbound
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Sawmill Aid (25k, 50k, and 50M)
PERSONAL SUPPORT AREA: Runners, family, friends, and crew are encouraged to set up their own hang-out support area around the large grass area at Elm Lake Pavilion for extended rest periods, canopies, personal gear, and preferences for food and hydration. It is common for clubs, teams, and families to have a tent (no camping) set up to enjoy the day. Setup can start on Friday at Noon.
Aid Station Items (subject to change/while quantities last):
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Fluids: Water, Ice, Gatorade, and Base Performance
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Soda: Coke, Ginger Ale, Orange.
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Electrolytes: Base Performance and Table Salt
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Bars: Base Performance Bars
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Sweet: Cookies, Candy, Peanut Butter, Nutella
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Salty: Pringles, Trail Mix, Chips
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Food: Sandwiches (PB&J, Nutella, PB, etc), Bean burrito rolls, fruit (bananas and oranges)
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Medical: Bandages, Vasoline, Band Aids (limited), etc. ( NO NSAIDS e.g. ibuprofen) , Feminine Care Products
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Trail Toes at all aid stations with tape
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Cooking (evening only): Grilled Cheese, Quesadillas, Soup, Noodles, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Ramen, Potatoes, and other "fun ultra concoctions".
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Other: Cooling bucket, Gatoritas (hot weather), and other surprises!
We will have everything you need at our aid stations and usually throw in something extra at each event to make it fun. It's not uncommon to see cakes, pies, watermelons, etc… You never know what the surprise will be!
Aid stations are for registered runners only, during the event (not before). Serving is by our volunteers and staff only. Crew members are not to use aid station supplies. Runners and crew are encouraged to have their own supply, especially for particular items or certain diet requirements.
Drop Bags
Drop Bags at the Sawmill Aid Station only.
You may drop your drop bags at Elm Lake Pavilion to have personal aid station drop bag delivered and returned. Bags should be small and labeled with your name. Drop bags must be delivered by 5:30 AM Saturday and will be returned as the aid station is closed and packed up, by ~10 PM). Unclaimed bags will be held at our warehouse for 2 weeks before being disposed.
Pacers & Crew
Pacers are only allowed on the final lap of the 50k and 50M and must remain with their runner at all times. Pacers can only start at the main Elm Lake Start/Finish and be on foot. Each athlete is only allowed ONE pacer unless under special approved circumstances.
Registered participants that will also pace after completing their own event do not need to register as a pacer, but should check in at the timing tent prior to pacing to receive a separate bib.
Registration as a pacer is done the same way as a participant through UltraSignup, is free, but requires the park pass and listing of the registered participant they will be pacing. Option to add-on a race shirt.
The deadline to register as a pacer is the same a registration close, the day before the event.
Runners that pre-purchased a park pass for their pacer will be refunded (pacer has mandatory park pass as part of registration).
Crew should only assist their runners around the designated aid stations (not on course). Only runners, pacers, and volunteers can utilize aid station supplies.
Park Passes & Camping
Every person 13 and over entering the park will require a special events State Park pass for the weekend which includes park entry, trail use, parking, nature center, bathrooms, and park support. This fee goes directly to Brazos Bend State Park. Receipt of digital payment should be shown at packet pickup in exchange for wristbands for the weekend. You may pick up pre-purchased wristbands for others with a digital receipt.
Camping and RV spots can be booked via the Texas State Parks Online Reservation system or by calling the park directly. Private reservations made with the park will include your special events pass (please show reservation at packet pickup to receive wristband).
Camping at the event area, parking lots, pavilions, and Car Camping is NOT allowed. Park staff will be checking vehicles left overnight in parking areas.
Camping must be reserved through the online reservation system: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Tentrr has some camping options at Sawmill Aid Station: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
BRAZOS BEND RV, The RV/ATV Mud Park across from the street has car camping and RV Parking (no hookups). Water will be available. Grey water can be open. Black water closed. No need to contact BBRV, they have room for you. See below for payment: https://www.bbrvtx.com/rv-park
The closest accommodation will be AirBnB and hotels in Rosenburg and Sugar Land.
*Volunteers will receive a complimentary wristband
PARKING & SHUTTLE
You must park in designated, paved, parking spots only. Any vehicle stopped on grass, roadway, shoulder, illegally parked, or otherwise, will be ticketed and towed by park police.
There is NO parking or stopping directly in front of Elm Lake Pavillion. Limited parking spots are located along Elm Lake road.
Main Parking: Located at the Nature Center, 1/4-1/2mi walk to Elm Lake.
Second Lot: Overflow will begin at 40-acre, a shuttle will be necessary to/from Elm Lake
Overflow: Located across from 40-acre near the main park entrance, a shuttle will be necessary to/from Elm Lake.
Shuttle bus will begin at the Nature Center lot, then move to 40-acre and overflow and will run between the lots and Elm Lake all day, return rides as requested from the pavilion. Please leave about 1 hour to get parked and to Elm Lake.
New this year, we will have two school buses running between parking sites.
School bu shuttles will run from 4 AM to 7 PM with van shuttle by request after-hours.
2024 SWAG
Shirt order deadline is Monday, March 18th to guarantee your size. If it's available at registration checkout we will have them in stock. No size changed till after all races have started. No shipping swag for no shows.
Thank you to our apparel partner Recover Brands for the amazing shirts:
2024 BUCKLES & MEDALS
MAPS & COURSE INFO
2024 UPDATED [2-APR]
The 50 Mile is now three loops:
Elm Lake / Horseshoe Lakes Loop / 40 Acre Loop / Pilant Slough to Nature Center Aid / Creekfiled Lake to Hale Lake with the inner out-and-back to Big Creek Aid / Sawmill Aid with camp loop / Big Creek Aid / Finish.
Aid Station Separation Distances:
Start to 40 Acre (unmanned water): 3.16mi
Start to Nature Center Aid: 5.8mi
Nature Center Aid to Big Creek Aid: 3.2mi
Big Creek Aid to Sawmill Aid: 3.16mi
Sawmill Aid back to Big Creek Aid: 3.16mi
Big Creek Aid to Finish: 1.23mi
50k (2 laps) and 25k (1 lap):
The 25k lap is the same as the above 50M loop but NO Horseshoe Lakes loop at the beginning (half a mile from the start), continuing straight to 40 Acre loop.
Aid Station Separation Distances:
Start to 40 Acre (unmanned water): 2mi
Start to Nature Center Aid: 4.62mi
40 Acre to Big Creek w/Hale Lake: 3.04mi
Big Creek to Sawmill: 3.23mi
Sawmill to Big Creek: 3.33mi
Big Creek to Finish: 1.4mi
10k
The 10k follows the same path as the 50M: Start to Horseshoe Lakes Loop, to 40 Acre (unmanned water), to Nature Center Aid, then continues straight back to the finish (do not cross the road at Nature Center).
Aid Station Separation Distances:
Start to 40 Acre (unmanned water): 3.16mi
Start to Nature Center Aid: 5.8mi
Nature Center to Finish: 0.5mi
5k
5k is a single loop around Elm Lake (no Horse Lakes or 40 Acre) to Nature Center via Pilant Slough, crosses the road to do the Creekfield Lake loop before continuing to the finish.
Aid Station Separation Distances:
Start to Nature Center Aid: 2.25mi
Nature Center to Finish: 1mi
VOLUNTEER
Earn future race credits, race swag, free park pass, food, and volunteer hours (as needed). Club support options are available as well for team aid station takeovers.
See more info on our volunteer page: VOLUNTEER WITH TROT
SPONSORS
