Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Spring Challenge

Exploring Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Challenge yourself to complete a hiking marathon on the scenic trails of Balcones Canyonlands over a 30-day period! Select your preferred distance: 26.2 miles (Full Marathon), 100 miles or 100K (Ultra Marathon), 13.1 miles (Half Marathon), or 6.2 miles (10K Challenge). Participants can hike at their own pace or join our Rucking Division for an added weight challenge. Register soon as places are limited. Proceeds from this event will support local charities.

Event Timeline:

-Kickoff Event: Saturday, March 1, 2026
-Challenge Period: March 1-30, 2026
-Completion Celebration: March 31, 2026

Divisions & Distances:

Standard Hiking Division:

-Marathon (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$55 regular
-Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - $35 early bird/$45 regular
-10K Challenge (6.2 miles) - $25early bird/$35 regular

-Ultra Challenge (100 miles or 100K) $65 early bird/$75 regular

Choose Your Ultra Adventure:

GUIDED 4-DAY GROUP HIKE - 100 MILES
Professional guide leads you through all 100 miles
Structured 4-day itinerary 
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:

-Marathon Ruck (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$35 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:

-Event t-shirt
-Digital trail guide
-Strava Club access
-Completion certificate
-Distance-specific completion Ash Juniper cookie or patch
-Access to Kickoff Day guided hikes

Featured Trails:

Doeskin Ranch (10645 FM 1174 Bertram, TX)

Warbler Vista (21646 ½ E. FM 1431, Lago Vista, TX)

How It Works:

1. Register for your chosen distance
2. Attend our Kickoff Event for guided orientation hikes (optional but recommended)
3. Complete your miles between March 1-30
4. Track your hikes via Strava
5. Join our celebration event to receive your completion award of an Ash Juniper cookie or patch

Important Notes:

• All trails are on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (free access)
• Trails open sunrise to sunset
• Mix and match trails to achieve your distance
• Repeat trails as desired
• Join solo or hike with friends