Cactus Rose 100M

26 October 2019
Location:
Organiser:
Overview
Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of Bandera is Hill Country State Natural Area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Hill Country State Natural Area is located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. The 5369.8-acre site was acquired by gift and purchase in 1976 and was opened to the public in 1984. The bulk of the site was a donation from the Merrick Bar-O-Ranch with the stipulation that it "be kept far removed and untouched by modern civilization, where everything is preserved intact, yet put to a useful purpose. The Hill Country State Natural Area is a scenic mosaic of rocky hills, flowing springs, oak groves, grasslands, and canyons. The terrain ranges from flat, broad creek bottoms to steep, rocky canyons up to 2000 feet in elevation and is home to the annual Cactus Rose 100M race. The Cactus Rose is a 100 mile out and back race in The Hill Country State Natural Area. This is a rugged trail running race that was designed to test runners. The course can go by quickly because of it's picturesque views; technical climbs and descents; and fun terrain.
Course details
Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of Bandera is Hill Country State Natural Area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Hill Country State Natural Area is located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. The 5369.8-acre site was acquired by gift and purchase in 1976 and was opened to the public in 1984. The bulk of the site was a donation from the Merrick Bar-O-Ranch with the stipulation that it "be kept far removed and untouched by modern civilization, where everything is preserved intact, yet put to a useful purpose. The Hill Country State Natural Area is a scenic mosaic of rocky hills, flowing springs, oak groves, grasslands, and canyons. The terrain ranges from flat, broad creek bottoms to steep, rocky canyons up to 2000 feet in elevation and is home to the annual Cactus Rose 100M race. The Cactus Rose is a 100 mile out and back race in The Hill Country State Natural Area. This is a rugged trail running race that was designed to test runners. The course can go by quickly because of it's picturesque views; technical climbs and descents; and fun terrain.
What's included
You run the exact same 25mi loop every time, But reverse direction each loop. Loops 1 & 3 are clockwise, loops 2 & 4 are counter-clockwise. So everybody will see everybody else to appraise time gaps, determine how theylook, and to just say hello. 100 milers run 4 loops.
Hill Country State Natural Area
Parking available at start/finish.
There are FIVE aid stations roughly FIVE miles from one to the next. (Lodge, Equestrian-twice, Nachos, Boyles). Each is a large 40x40 weatherproof tent that is enclosed with side panel tarps. We put water & ice at each station with notepad, pen, & light. You must write your name, bib, & time at every station so we can track you.
Camping is available at the start/finish area. Lodging is also available at: West 1077 Guest Ranch, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge and River Oak Inn.
Top 3 male & females receive awards. All 100-mile finishers receive a buckle.
Chip Timing
36 hrs