Events
Heart of Hill Country Half-Marathon
Heart of Hill Country Ultra Marathon 100k/100M
Heart of Hill Country Marathon Ruck Division
Heart of Hill Country Half-Marathon Ruck Division
Heart of Hill Country Hiking Marathon 10K Ruck Division
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://fitfoundation.org/heart-of-hill-country.
Place
21646 ½ E. FM 1431
Leander, TX US 78645
Description
BALCONES CANYONLANDS HIKING CHALLENGE
Explore the Scenic Trails of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
October 1-30, 2025 | Complete Your Challenge at Your Own Pace
Proceeds support local charities
YOUR 30-DAY HIKING ADVENTURE
Challenge yourself to complete a hiking marathon distance over 30 days on the scenic trails of Balcones Canyonlands! Choose your adventure: 26.2 miles (Full Marathon), 100 miles or 100K (Ultra Marathon), 13.1 miles (Half Marathon), or 6.2 miles (10K Challenge). Hike at your own pace or add weight with our Rucking Division. Register soon as places are limited.
EVENT TIMELINE
Kickoff Event
Saturday, October 1, 2025
Challenge Period
October 1-30, 2025
Completion Celebration
October 31, 2025
DIVISIONS & DISTANCES
Standard Hiking Division
Ultra Marathon
100 miles or 100K
$65 early bird
$75 regular
Marathon
26.2 miles
$45 early bird
$55 regular
Half Marathon
13.1 miles
$35 early bird
$45 regular
10K Challenge
6.2 miles
$25 early bird
$35 regular
GUIDED 4-DAY GROUP HIKE - 100 MILES
- Professional guide leads you through all 100 miles
- Structured 4-day itinerary (October 1-4, 2025)
- Daily support and trail strategy
- Group experience with fellow ultra hikers
- Coordinated sunrise-to-sunset hiking
- Limited to 20 participants
SOLO 30-DAY CHALLENGE
- 100 Mile Ultra (160.9K)
- 100K Ultra (62.1 miles)
- Complete at your own pace within 30 days
- Mix and match trails
- Track via Strava
- Sunrise to sunset access
Rucking Division (includes special Ash Juniper cookie or coin)
Marathon Ruck
26.2 miles
$45 early bird
$55 regular
20lb minimum pack
Half Marathon Ruck
13.1 miles
$35 early bird
$45 regular
15lb minimum pack
10K Ruck Challenge
6.2 miles
$25 early bird
$35 regular
10lb minimum pack
REGISTRATION INCLUDES
Digital Trail Guide
Comprehensive guide to all trails
Strava Club Access
Track & share your progress
Completion Certificate
Digital recognition of achievement
Ash Juniper Cookie/Coin
Distance-specific completion award
Kickoff Day Guided Hikes
Optional orientation hikes
FEATURED TRAILS
Doeskin Ranch
Explore diverse habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and creek-side trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
10645 FM 1174 Bertram, TX
Warbler Vista
Enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Travis and rolling hills while hiking through prime bird habitat known for its spectacular seasonal warbler migrations.
21646 ½ E. FM 1431, Lago Vista, TX
HOW IT WORKS
Register
Choose your distance and division
Attend Kickoff
Optional but recommended guided orientation
Complete Miles
Hike between October 1-30
Track Hikes
Use Strava to log your progress
Celebrate
Join our Oct 31 event to receive awards
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Finisher's Ash Juniper Cookie
100-Mile Ultra Challenge Strategy Guide
Need help planning your ultra challenge strategy? Visit our website for our comprehensive guide on completing your chosen distance over 30 days at Balcones Canyonlands! Whether you're aiming for the 100-mile ultra challenge or the marathon distance, our guide helps you plan your trail combinations at Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista between October 1-31, 2024. Perfect for mapping out your spring hiking or trail running adventure!
Health Impact Rating
HEALTH IMPACT RATING: A+
Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Spring Challenge
Health Economic Value
• Average Value Per Participant: $17,850
• Health ROI: Up to 436:1 return on investment
Health Value by Event
Note: Rucking options add +25% to all values
Key Differentiators
• Extended 30-day engagement model
• Nature-based activity premium in Balcones Canyonlands
• Multiple intensity options and terrain variability
• Added resistance benefits in Rucking Division
Health Benefits
Physical (65%):
Cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health, musculoskeletal strengthening
Mental (30%):
Stress reduction, anxiety reduction, improved sleep, nature connection
Social (5%): Community connection, shared achievement
Health Impact Summary
This 30-day challenge format delivers exceptional health value through extended engagement
in a natural environment, with options for every fitness level and goal.
