Events
Description
TROT returns to the pines of Mission Tejas November 15th, 2025!
5k, 10k, 25k, and 50k
MISSION TEJAS STATE PARK
GRAPELAND, TEXAS
The park has been undergoing some important infrastructure upgrades the past two years which have prevented us from hosting our annual Mission Tejas event but we are excited to be back in the Fall of 2025. The park is now fully open, just in time for our event. The Mission Tejas trails are a great mix of straw pine-laced single track, winding downhills, and fun CCC-built rock stairs. When you are running towards the front of the park you will be climbing, and coming back, you will be descending, so prepare for some vert.
- 2025 PRE RACE INFORMATION -
Runners and Volunteers,
We are excited to welcome you to Mission Tejas State Park for a beautiful weekend of trail running and community! This historic park sits on El Camino Real and features rolling pine and hardwood forest trails with plenty of shade and some technical terrain. There's a reason it's my personal favorite of all our Texas' courses.
The park officially reopened just a couple of weeks ago after a multi-year infrastructure project. It looks better than new, so let's keep it that way! Please be extra careful with parking as the edges of the new road are still soft in some areas. We do not want to damage anything.
Please read the details below to ensure a safe and smooth event. All key updates and maps are below and available on the TROT website.
We can’t wait to see you on the trails!
– Cal Neff and the TROT Crew
Trail Racing Over Texas
📍Mission Tejas State Park – Grapeland, TX
19343 State Hwy 21 E, Grapeland TX 75844
🗓️Race Weekend: Saturday, November 15, 2025
⌨️Event Website: trailracingovertexas.com/mission
📝Registration & Volunteer Signup: RunSignup.com/MissionTejas
Quick Reminders
- Bring a hydration device – this is a cupless race.
- Bring a headlamp or light for early starts (before sunrise ~ 6:45 AM).
- All non-registered visitors aged 13 + must have a Mission Tejas Park Pass → purchase on the TROT Store.
- Parking: in the group camping area, main lots, or considerately along the park road (keep room for cars to pass). Short walk to the Mission/start area.
- Mandatory DNF check-out at the timing tent if you do not finish.
- Leave No Trace – pack out what you pack in, no littering.
Schedule
Friday – November 14
- Trails will be marked and ready for course preview by Noon
- Noon to 7 PM Packet Pickup (Day 1) inside The Mission - you may pick up for other runners
- Park gates open overnight
Saturday – November 15
- 6 AM Race Day Packet Pickup & Check-In in The Mission until the final race starts
Pre-Race Briefings 10 minutes before the start of each event
- 7 AM Start of 50 KM (A + B × 5 loops)
- 8 AM Start of 25 KM (A-B-A-B-A loops)
- 9 AM Start of 10 KM (A + B loops)
- 9:30 AM Start of 5 KM (A loop only)
- Noon Free Kids Race around The Mission
- 4 PM Loop Cutoff (no beginning a loop)
- 6 PM Finish Line Closed
Course Overview
Each loop is 5 KM.
- “A” Loop = west/south section via Steep Ravine and Hardwood Trail.
- “B” Loop = east section via Lightning, CCC bathtubs, and Steep Step Trails.
- All races start with A Loop
- Loops alternate A/B and repeat depending on the distance.
- Must be run in order, alternating.
- Follow flagging, arrows, signs, and flagging tape.
- Aid station is located at The Mission (start/finish). There is no mid-course water stop – you must carry hydration.
- Watch for cars at road crossings
Lap / Finish Instructions
Both the A and B Loops converge for the final 1/4mi and will finish coming up the roadway to The Mission, turn left behind The Mission, following the flags all the way through the arch to record your lap/finish time (ensure bib is on front of torso and visible).- You are then free to use the Aid Station, access personal support area, washrooms, etc., before starting your next loop (do not go through the arch to start your next loop).
- A Loop is the same as your starting loop for all events, trailhead straight in front of the arch.
- The B Loop proceeds down the stairs (be careful!). Know which loop you are on or check with the RD if you are confused.
- Loops must be run in order (A->B->A->B, etc.)
- When you finish your final loop, collect your medal right away!
- If you decide to stop early, please check out with the timing tent so we don't go looking for you!
Mandatory Gear
- Hydration device (required for every runner on course; no cups at aid station)
- Headlamp or light for early or low-light conditions
- Trail shoes recommended – terrain includes roots and short steep sections
- Race Bib (the one assigned to you): Visible on Front (do not put on back or pack)
- Optional: trekking poles (ok on course, keep collapsed at start/finish)
Parking & Camping
- Enter Mission Tejas off HWY 21 just before Weches. Follow Park Road 44 to the back of the park, drive slowly (25 MPH limit).
- Parking begins at the group camping area and fills toward the front lots. Overflow can park along the park road — leave space for two-way traffic. Do not tear up the new edges.
- Parking at the Mission on Saturday is for Volunteers and Staff only. Volunteers have additional camping sites at The Mission (please email to request).
- Group camping area can be added as an add-on to your registration via RunSignup.
- Numbered campsites are available by reservation through Texas State Parks.
Photos
FREE Photos will be uploaded to the RunSignup event page and TROT Facebook after the race by Friday (please be patient). You may find some early pictures on both our Instagram and Facebook pages posts and stories.
Tag your pictures on social media with @TrailRacingOverTexas #TROT #TrailRacingOverTexas #MissionTejasTrailRun
Results
Each time you cross the timing mats a lap split time will be recorded. There may be delays in results available online due to the poor reception (both cellular and satellite) in our location. Live Laps and Results are available on RunSignup.
Safety & Emergency Procedures
If you stop early or DNF, you must check out at the timing tent.
For emergencies: 682-RUN-TROT (682-786-8768) or call 9-1-1 and notify staff immediately.
Wildlife is present but typically avoids contact — stay on trail and alert. At our last Mission run an off-trail ground-hornet nest was stepped on, best to stay ON the trail. Copperhead snakes are common here (but less now with the cooler weather).
Leave No Trace
No trash on trail or left at camp. If you brought it in, take it home.
Let’s leave Mission Tejas cleaner than we found it.
Packet Pickup
There are two options to pick up your bib and swag for yourself or on behalf of another runner.
- Friday – November 14 - Noon to 7 PM Packet Pickup inside The Mission
- Saturday – November 15 - 6 AM inside The Mission until the final race starts
Packet Pickup Information:
- You can pick up for other runners
- You can pick up wristbands for guests (please purchase their park passes beforehand due to limited reception inside the park)
- Save the registration QR code to your phone and ensure the person picking up has it ready at packet pickup
- No changing shirt sizes or swag selection until after all races have been checked in
- You can pick up your packet on race day, see the above schedule
- If you are picking up multiple bibs, ensure to write the names on the back, you can see your bib number on RunSignup once its assigned
- There is no parking at The Mission (start/finish/packet pickup) on Saturday; it will be a short walk
- Wear your bib visibly on your front to ensure it is detected by our timing system
Guest Park Pass
PURCHASE ON THE ONLINE TROT STORE AND SAVE A DIGITAL COPY TO YOUR PHONE
Note: Registered Runners, your park pass is part of your RunSignup registration; you do not need to purchase this additional pass. Volunteers also receive a complimentary park pass.
This pass is for all crew, family, support, and spectators (anyone associated with the event).
This pass is NOT for; individuals 11 Years and under (kids are free), registered runners, or volunteers.
One pass per person.
The park is open to the public over the weekend and gates will be staffed by the state park during normal business hours, at which time annual state park passes will be accepted for general park guests only. Park gates will remain open Friday through Sunday, unmanned during off-hours. You can go to the Mission to pick up your park pass bracelet during packet pickup/event hours.
Please show the digital copy to pick up wristbands from the packet pickup at the Mission. You will be able to enter the park to pick up your passes from TROT at the Mission or timing tent. Runners' bibs are their pass; guests will receive wristbands.
Maps and Route
Mission Tejas "A" Loop GPX / Strava Map
Mission Tejas "B" Loop GPX / Strava Map
Course Overview
Each loop is 5 KM.
- “A” Loop = west/south section via Steep Ravine and Hardwood Trail.
- “B” Loop = east section via Lightning, CCC bathtubs, and Steep Step Trails.
- Loops alternate A/B and repeat depending on the distance. Must be run in order, alternating.
- Follow flagging, arrows, signs, and flagging tape.
- Aid station is located at The Mission (start/finish). There is no mid-course water stop – you must carry hydration.
- Watch for cars at road crossings
Lap / Finish Instructions
Both the A and B Loops converge for the final 1/4mi and will finish coming up the roadway to The Mission, turn left behind The Mission, following the flags all the way through the arch to record your lap/finish time (ensure bib is on front of torso and visible).
You are then free to use the Aid Station, access personal support area, washrooms, etc., before starting your next loop (do not go through the arch to start your next loop).
A Loop is the same as your starting loop for all events, trailhead straight in front of the arch.
The B Loop proceeds down the stairs (be careful!). Know which loop you are on or check with the RD if you are confused.
Loops must be run in order (A->B->A->B, etc.)
When you finish your final loop, collect your medal right away!
If you decide to stop early, please check out with the timing tent so we don't go looking for you!
Place
Grapeland, TX US 75844
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/mission.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
