Course Overview: 3.17-Mile Loop
Distance: Approximately 3.17 miles (5K) per loop.
Elevation Gain: 114 feet per loop, featuring a steady descent to the river and a climb back to the hub.
Start/Finish: All distances begin and end at the main race hub near Campsites 19–29.
 
5K Participants (1 Loop)
Your race is a single, beautiful loop that captures the best of the park’s blooming meadows and riverside views.

The Descent: After starting at the hub, you will head south toward the Colorado River.
Shoreline Run: At approximately Mile 1.5, you will hit the shoreline at the 660-foot elevation mark. This section offers expansive views of the water but be mindful of your footing near the bank.
The "Wild" Climb: Around Mile 2.5, the trail turns north, leading you through technical, single-track sections that have seen recent "natural tilling" from local wildlife.
The Finish: You will emerge from the woods for a final flat stretch back to the celebration at the campsite hub.
 
10K Participants (2 Loops)
You will be completing two full laps of the 3.17-mile course.

Loop 1: Follow the standard 5K route, focusing on your pace through the technical single-track climb.
The "Mid-Point" Hub: As you finish your first lap, you will pass through the Campsite 19–29 hub. This is a great spot to grab water or quick fuel before heading back out for your second lap.
Loop 2: Head back down to the shoreline for your second look at the bluebonnets! Use the momentum from the flat riverside stretch to power through the final technical climb to the finish line.

Half-Marathon: Participants will complete one full lap of this extensive course.
Marathon: Participants will complete two full laps

The 50K "Triple Threat" is the crown jewel of the Bluebonnet Trail Run. This is a true endurance test through the heart of Turkey Bend. You’ll tackle three full laps of the 10.41-mile Big Loop, meaning you’ll face the technical switchbacks and the steady "Big Loop" climbs three separate times.

Each lap offers a mix of rugged backcountry challenges and breathtaking views of the Colorado River. By the third lap, those blooming bluebonnets will be your best friends, guiding you home to the finish line. This is a course for those who want to earn every single mile!

The 50-Miler is the ultimate endurance test at Turkey Bend. This course is a true grind through the best (and toughest) trails the park has to offer. You’ll start with five massive laps of the 10.41-mile Big Loop. This means five trips up the climbs and technical descents through the rugged backcountry.

We want to make sure you get your full 50-mile finish! 

To hit the 8:00 PM cutoff for the whole event, we need you off the technical backcountry hills by 6:30 

To ensure the safety of all athletes and to respect our park permits and teams, the following cut-offs will be strictly enforced. The course officially closes at 9:00 PM.

The "Hard" Cut-Off: 4:30 PM
Any 50-Mile or 50K runner who has not started their final 10.41-mile Big Loop by 4:30 PM will not be permitted to continue on that section of the course.

Note: Runners reaching this point after 4:30 PM may be offered the option to complete their remaining mileage on the 2.1-mile Peninsula Circuit to receive a "Finisher" medal (non-competitive).
Mandatory Headlamp Rule: 6:30 PM
The sun sets quickly over the Colorado River. Starting at 6:30 PM, all runners still on the course MUST have a functional headlamp or waist light. * Volunteers will be checking for lights at the main aid station. No light = No lap. Safety is our priority!

Course Closure: 9:00 PM
At 9:00 PM, the timing mat will be pulled, and the course will be officially closed. Any runners still on the 2.1-mile loop at this time will be swept into the finish area by our sweep team.

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