Brazos Bend 50
Needville, TX
- 50 Miler, 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
This is the April edition of the popular Brazos Bend races with the marquee event being the 50-mile. A great event for veteran or first-time ultra runners, trail runners, and those new to running in general. The Brazos Bend course is the fastest trail in Texas trail running. The course … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 11):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 78 | 87 | 81 | 76 | 85 |
| L (°F) | 70 | 58 | 54 | 58 | 70 |
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Run with the gators
The Brazos Bend 50 Mile Ultramarathon is an excellent race for both first-time ultrarunners and experienced runners chasing a fast time. The course is very beginner-friendly with minimal elevation, making … MORE
The Brazos Bend 50 Mile Ultramarathon is an excellent race for both first-time ultrarunners and experienced runners chasing a fast time. The course is very beginner-friendly with minimal elevation, making it a great opportunity to set a PR or a qualifying time for longer races like Western States. Don’t let the flat course fool you though — Texas weather can be unpredictable and adds its own challenge with humidity, heat, and occasional rain, so come prepared for changing conditions.
The aid stations are somewhat spread out, so proper hydration and fueling strategy is important. That said, the aid stations themselves are fantastic and well stocked with a wide variety of fuel options including fruit, chips, cookies, quesadillas, and more. The volunteers throughout the course are incredibly friendly, encouraging, and helpful, which really adds to the overall experience.
One of the most unique aspects of this race is running through Brazos Bend State Park. The scenery is beautiful and you may even spot alligators along the course — definitely an unforgettable Texas ultramarathon experience.
Overall, I’d highly recommend the Brazos Bend 50 Mile to anyone looking to enter the ultramarathon scene or runners aiming for a fast, well-organized race experience.
Still no 100km
I have run 50km races, 50 miles races, 100 miles races, and even a 135 one. But I have never run a 100km one. So I tried running the Brazos … MORE
I have run 50km races, 50 miles races, 100 miles races, and even a 135 one. But I have never run a 100km one. So I tried running the Brazos Bend 100km today. Of course I slept like crap and was working this morning at 3:30 so that burnt time, and then headed out 30 minutes late. But got to Brazos Bend State Park for the race. The car in front of me entered the gates first and must have been a tad bit late too as the rangers lights went on and pulled him over (I thought it was going to be me as I was following him).
Anyway, my legs just never felt great. Tired, heavy, (manly though), and not as responsive as I would have hoped. Then, after the first 25km/15.5 mile loop the sun came out. Wasn’t blistering but definitely warm.
Saw at least a dozen gators during the run (pretty cool I think) and stopped for this photo of one….she had two babies on her back but they jumped off before the shot. She is behind me keeping an eye on the people watching her and her babies.
Finished my marathon split almost identical to my Dallas Marathon split (4:45-ish) and my 50 mile time almost the same as my Rocky 50 miler last month. But then I realized I had no chance of finishing the 100km before the 15 hour 30 minute cut-off so I called it day at only 50 miles. So I have yet to finish a 100km (although this was my first attempt at that specific distance.)
The RD was cool…gave me the 50 mile finisher medal on his own initiative (nice wooden one with a gator) because he said I did 50 (and within the time limit). But I still DNF’ed the 100km. Will have to try that distance again one day.
Running with the 'gators
Running at Brazos Bend is always exactly what you expect...insanely easy course but really, really pretty when you're running through the swamp. Plenty of alligators to see and more than … MORE
Running at Brazos Bend is always exactly what you expect…insanely easy course but really, really pretty when you’re running through the swamp. Plenty of alligators to see and more than a couple of snakes to avoid. A lot of the course ends up being jeep roads through the park which are straight and soul-suckingly boring.
As always, the best thing about a TROT race is the people. The volunteers were just as helpful, friendly, and encouraging as every TROT race I’ve done. The race director, Rob, and his crew deserve a huge shout-out for pulling the race off despite a road collapse in the park that totally changed their plans. The easy thing to do would’ve been to just call the whole thing off, but they showed amazing flexibility in getting solutions to the problems.
Overall, I’ll keep doing races at Brazos and I’ll absolutely keep doing TROT races.
A Run in the Muddy Woods
Running in Texas you never know what you're going to get. This year it was raining and cold in April! The trails were muddy and slick but it's always a … MORE
Running in Texas you never know what you’re going to get. This year it was raining and cold in April! The trails were muddy and slick but it’s always a great time running at Brazos Bend. Be prepare for anything when you race in Texas.