Hit the ground running with Tejas Trails at several Highland Lakes events starting in May 2022. The trail races, some of which are overnight, range in difficulty. Register online for each event — they're selling out quickly!

MAY 14-15

Spider Mountain Trail Race

Spider Mountain Bike Park

200 Greenwood Hills Trail on Lake Buchanan in Burnet

START-FINISH: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, to 7 a.m. Sunday, May 15

RACES BY DISTANCE: 4 miles, 8 miles, 12 miles, youth 1 mile

RACES BY TIMES: 6 hours, 9 hours, 12-hour relay

ABOUT THE RACE: According to Tejas Trails, racers can "hone your climbing and downhill trail-running skills, experiment with long-distance and mountain running equipment, dial in your nighttime running technique and nutrition, and train and develop mental toughness for ultra success." Spider Mountain Bike Park features a chairlift and lake views. (Read more about the park at 101HighlandLakes.com.)

JUNE 4

Texas Trail Running Festival

Krause Springs

424 CR 404 in Spicewood

START-FINISH: Races start from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; course closes at 8 p.m.

DISTANCES: 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE EVENT: Along with the races, the family-friendly festival features live music, outdoor movies, prize giveaways, food trucks, games, and children's activities. Krause Springs offers a beautiful swimming hole, pool, butterfly gardens, and more. (Find more Highland Lakes swimming holes at 101HighlandLakes.com.)

JUNE 25-26

Capt'n Karl's Trail Series-Pedernales Falls

Pedernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City

START-FINISH: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, to 7 a.m. Sunday, June 26

DISTANCES: 60 kilometers, 30 kilometers, 20 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE RACE: On the Capt'n Karl's Trail Series kickoff, runners will face "hilly, steep and rocky trails" and experience "incredible vistas, wooded trails, and (seasonal) creek crossings" at Pedernales Falls State Park. (Read more about the park at 101HighlandLakes.com.)

JULY 16-17

Capt'n Karl's at Muleshoe Bend

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

2820 CR 414 in Spicewood

START-FINISH: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 16, to 7 a.m. Sunday, July 17

DISTANCES: 60 kilometers, 30 kilometers, 20 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE RACE: "The course is challenging, rocky and technical trail with approximately 2,600 feet of elevation gain" for the 60-kilometer race. Runners will face "deceptively tough" trails with "thick foliage and heavy wood" along with Central Texas summer heat. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is a Lower Colorado River Authority park. In the spring, it's a picture-perfect place to see bluebonnets.

AUG. 6-7

Capt'n Karl's at Colorado Bend

Colorado Bend State Park

2236 Park Hill Drive in Bend

START-FINISH: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, to 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 7

DISTANCES: 60 kilometers, 30 kilometers, 20 kilometers, 10 kilometers, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE RACE: Racers will encounter "rugged and demanding trails" at Colorado Bend State Park along with "cliffs and canyonlands, limestone caves, numerous natural springs, amazing waterfalls and precious solitude." The park is a hidden hiking oasis.

AUG. 27-28

Capt'n Karl's at Reveille Peak Ranch

105 CR 114 in Burnet

START-FINISH: 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, to 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28

DISTANCES: 60 kilometers, 30 kilometers, 20 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE RACE: It's the final 2022 event in the Capt'n Karl's Trail Series. The privately owned Reveille Peak Ranch offers "unique and spectacular geological formations," views, woods, and technicality.

SEPT. 9-10

Mellow Trail Race

Pace Bend Park

2011 Pace Bend Road North in Spicewood

DISTANCES: 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, youth 1 mile, 26.2-mile ruck

ABOUT THE RACE: Like the name implies, it's a "mellow" event, perfect for family and friends. The course ends at Lake Travis, so jump in to cool off. New this year is the ruck division. Pace Bend Park offers peaceful hiking paths year-round.

NOV. 6

Hill Country Trivium Road Race

Mustang Stadium at Marble Falls High School

2101 Mustang Drive in Marble Falls

DISTANCES: 50 kilometers, 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers

ABOUT THE RACE: "... One of the most challenging and amazing road races in all of Texas," according to Tejas Trails. Races are on paved surfaces for an "out-and-back" course. All finishers receive a coupon for a free piece of pie from Blue Bonnet Cafe. The Trivium also includes a family fun run that supports the Phoenix Center, a Marble Falls-based nonprofit offering mental healthcare to children.

DEC. 3-4

Tinajas Ultra and Relay Trail Race

Colorado Bend State Park

2236 Park Hill Drive in Bend

DISTANCES: 100 kilometers, 50 kilometers, 13.1 miles, half-marathon, 100-kilometer relay, 50-kilometer relay, youth 1 mile

ABOUT THE RACE: "This trail-running experience has been created to offer participants a beautiful and difficult trail reality." The race has no aid station. Medical staff will be on hand for emergencies.

APRIL 2023

Plan ahead for the Pandora's Box of Rox Trail Race at Reveille Peak Ranch.

Tejas Trails' mission is to "offer incredibly fun, family-oriented, beautifully scenic, God-honoring, and challenging endurance events that better people's lives." Read more about the organization on its website.

editor@thepicayune.com

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