FAQ
Park pass is included for Registered Runners and Registered Pacers, and waived for Volunteers and children under 12.
Park pass purchase is required by crew, family, support, and spectators (anyone associated with the event not mentioned above). Guest park passes will be available on the TROT store in the final month leading up to the race here or during registration as an add-on.
One pass per person. Camping NOT included. Includes park access, parking, free race shuttle, trail access, Elm Lake Pavilion area access, Outdoor Retailer Expo and Live Music access.
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. Proceed to Elm Lake Pavilion to pick up your park pass bracelet.
Please print the attached ticket or show the digital copy to pickup wristbands from packet pickup at Elm Lake Pavilion or Good Times. You will be able to enter the park to pick up your passes from TROT.
Annual Park Passes are not accepted during special events for event attendees.
Dogs are not allowed to accompany a participant on the course or be at any of our event areas (start/finish, aid stations, check-in, etc.). We love dogs just like most of you, but it is a confusing environment and energy for them. We have seen the best of dogs act abnormally. Not everyone is comfortable with dogs.
At most of our events, the trails remain open to the public, which includes spectators, and they must follow the park/venue guidelines for pets on and around the course.
Service Animal Policy:
Individuals with service animals have the right to full and equal access to public places and transportation, provided the animal is under the handler's control. We may ask if the animal is required for a disability, and what work or task it is trained to perform.
Reasons for exclusion for a service animal: a service animal may be excluded if it is:
- Out of control and the handler doesn't take effective action.
- Not housebroken.
- Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
Note: A fear of animals or allergies is not a valid reason to deny access to a service animal
Handler responsibilities for the service animal:
- The handler is responsible for the care and supervision of the service animal at all times.
- The animal must be under control, usually with a harness, leash, or other tether.
- The handler is liable for any damage the animal causes.
Cutoffs
The finish line closes (all races end), on Sunday at 2 PM
32H 100MI
31.5H 100k
31H Marathon
30.5H Half Marathon
Note that the Race Director will assess each runner's progress and has the ultimate decision, along with the Medical Director and Park Staff, throughout the event for runners to continue additional loops or not for their own safety, venue permit timing, and courtesy to our staff and volunteers.
Yes, but we recommend only one side or the open ear style. Volume should remain at a level where you can still hear your surroundings.
Yes, please have their QR code saved to your device.
If you are picking up multiple bibs, we recommend being prepared to write on the back of the bib to ensure each participant gets their individually assigned bib. Once a bib is assigned at packet pickup, you can look up the bib number on your RunSignup registration and download your digital bib to share on social media.
If you do not plan on starting the race, please do not pick up a bib number.
For large group pickups, please utilize our early packet pickup options and try to find less busy times to be respectful of others' time.
The race starts and finishes at the Elm Lake Pavilion, located 3.3 miles from the park entrance.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025:
Packet Pickup sponsored by Altra Running and Good Times Running Co.
Noon to 7 PM at Good Times Running Co,
22764 Westheimer Pkwy #650, Katy, TX 77450
Friday, December 5th, 2025:
Packet Pickup & Merch: Noon to 7 PM at Elm Lake Pavilion
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Packet Pickup Elm Lake Pavilion: 5 AM to 8:30 AM (Ultra Runners Only till 7 AM)
There are porta-potties located at Elm Lake Pavilion, 40-Acre, Nature Center aid station, and Sawmill aid station.
There are permanent park facility washrooms located at Elm Lake, 40-Acre, Nature Center, and the main HQ entrance.
The Brazos Bend 100 miler distance has been an official Western States Endurance Run qualifying race for over five years. Since BB100 is held in early December, around the same time as the WSER lottery, our sub-32 hour finish will earn you a lottery ticket to the following year's lottery, for the next years WSER.
Example: If you qualify in 2025 you will earn a 2026 raffle ticket for the 2027 WSER lottery. Must finish under 32 hours to qualify. Official letter from WSER for 2025:
"the 2025 Brazos Bend 100 has been selected as a qualifying race for the 2027 Western States 100. Runners who complete the race within 32 hours will qualify to enter a lottery where the runners for Western States will be selected.
The qualifying period for the 2027 Western States will be from November 3, 2025 through November 1, 2026. The lottery will be held on December 5, 2026, and the race itself will be run on June 26-27, 2027.”
Qualifiers from last years (2024) Brazos Bend 100 can enter the upcoming lottery being held on December 6th - we will have a live feed of the lottery during our event. Last year two of our runners were selected while on the course!
Elm Lake Pavilion features a 6.5-acre grass area along the course for personal / crew support setup. Runners use this area between loops to access their own personal gear.
Setup begins on Friday at Noon, please do not setup earlier or you may be asked to move.
You may leave your area setup overnight but there is no camping allowed.
The state park does not allow camp-style tents (dome, fully enclosed) outside of campgrounds due to people illegally camping. You may only use a pop-up canopy/sun shade or a similar day-use style "tent".
Please take home all items and trash from your area. We do not need any more tents/chairs/coolers/water/etc. donated and our volunteers do not want to pick up after you. Please take trash home with you, do not pile your trash at the parking lot.
Yes, we will have several options announced closer to the race. Currently, we have planned a BBQ and snowcone truck at Elm Lake Pavilion on Saturday. These will be cash/card for all participants and spectators.
Before the event, you can update your swag selection via your RunSignup account based on inventory.
There are no size changes during packet pickup. Once all races have begun, we can exchange unworn shirts for a different size based on availability.
Extra shirts and merchandise will be available for sale at the packet pickup merch area. You will check out online via the TROT store with free/no-shipping for the items you select while at the event.
Free race photos will be available by Friday, after the race weekend, on both the Brazos Bend 100 RunSignup event page and the Trail Racing Over Texas Facebook page.
During the event you will find our live photo's posted to the TROT Instagram page.
Please also tag us in your social media so we can share @TrailRacingOverTexas #BB100 #BrazosBend100
Live chip timing splits will be available for each runner when they pass over the timing mats at the start/finish and on-course split points, available on the Brazos Bend 100 RunSignup Results page.
Brazos Bend Powersports RV: Located across the street from the State Park entrance (6346 Beard Rd, Needville, TX 77461) has open field parking for extra parking and free primitive camping. This is not a shuttle location unless we need to extend outside of the park. There are no hookups for RV's (but you can still park/use RV with no discharge).
Camping in the park can be reserved through: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/reservations/
Inside the park, there is no camping at Elm Lake Pavilion, in your vehicle/parking lots, or anywhere not designated for camping with a permit.
Click "Manage Registration" under your registered events through your RunSignup Profile to make updates and changes to your registration.
Park only in designated spots. No off-road driving, ADA parking without a permit, or stopping on roads for loading/unloading.
Elm Lake Pavilion:
Reserved for race staff only. Do not block entrances or move cones.
Park Road (Elm Lake):
Limited parking along the area. Do not park on the road or in ADA spots without a permit. No stopping on the road.
Nature Center:
Main event lot, 0.5 mi walk to Elm Lake (usually faster than shuttle). Walk on trail, not road.
40 Acre Lot:
Left after entry, 3.2 mi from Elm Lake. Near restrooms, crew access, shuttle pickup. ~2 mi walk to Elm Lake.
Overflow Parking:
Right at park entry, shuttle stop, 3.2 mi from Elm Lake.
Park HQ:
No parking.
Hale Lake:
Open if overflow full, 1.7 mi from Elm Lake.
Campsites:
Parking for registered campers only.
Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT) welcomes the creation of photo and video content that highlights our community, athletes, and events in a positive light. To protect our participants, staff, sponsors, and brand, all non-personal photography and videography must be pre-approved by TROT. This policy applies to any individual or organization planning to capture content for influencer, ambassador, sponsored, commercial, or professional use at any TROT event. Drone use, even for personal use, requires pre-approval and, in most cases, is not allowed. Please take a look at our website for more information and the application.
Please tag @trailracingovertexas and use #TROT in your social media posts so we can share!
Each runner must wear their bib number on the front of their shirt or shorts on the outermost layer. Bibs worn on/in packs, on the back, under layers, facing inwards (number down) will not be read by the timing system - wear your bib on the front of your shirt with the number clearly visible.
Timing points will be at the start/finish line in addition to intermediary split points on the course. Each time a runner crosses one of these timing points, their split/finish will update on the results page. There may be delays in data processing. Please do not disturb the timing staff to inquire about results unless there appears to be a clear issue with a runner's tracking.
If a runner decides not to finish their race (DNF or Drop Down), it is critical that they check out at the timing tent to let us know they are not still on course.
The main loop for the 100-mile and 100-kilometer is ~16.7 miles (100 / 6). The first loop for the 100k is shorter, around 13 miles (No Horseshoe Loop section, No 40 Acre Loop section). The marathon and half-marathon complete a 13.1mi loop.
Pacers may start/finish at the beginning of the loop, or from 40 Acre (mile 3.1), Nature Center (mile 5.9), or Sawmill (mile 12.2), but pacer transportation is not provided outside of the normal parking shuttle option (does not go to Sawmill). It is recommended that pacers start/finish at the Elm Lake Pavilion and complete the full main loop (16.7mi).
Yes, please log in to your RunSignup account. Under your race registration, you will find all available options for changes, updates, and transfers. If an event is full, you will not be able to transfer until a spot opens up. If you need to cancel your registration, please email us.
Yes, we offer race insurance coverage for your registration through RunSignup. This must be purchased during registration and may not be available with bundle deals. In the unfortunate event that you can no longer use your registration, you can access your insurance via your registration on RunSignup to submit a claim. TROT does not manage or have access to the insurance information or the claims process, and will not be able to process additional TROT credits for registrations with insurance (no double dipping) without proof of declined insurance coverage.
Your bib number is tied to your registered event distance and will not be read by our timing system until that event starts.
If you miss the start (gun start) you may start late, but must first check in with the timing tent. Gun Time is used for all overall results; this is standard USATF rules and prevents a late starter from having a competitive advantage to run a faster Chip Time. Late starts must still adhere to the cutoff times.
If there is a special reason that would be eligible for an early start, please email us ahead of time to request.
If you would like to transfer a bib to someone you know, a private transfer, you will enter their information, and they will accept the entry on their RunSignup account.
There is no way to view the waitlist. We suggest heading to the Trail Racing Over Texas Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/trailracingovertexas) and making a post to find someone looking for a bib.
The Trail Racing Over Texas Facebook Group is also a great place to find a pacer, event information, carpool planning, training buddies, and updates from TROT.
As a reminder, all bib transfers must be completed via RunSignup with the new participant going through the registration process. Participating with someone else's bib is not permitted.
If a registered participant included the pacer add-on in their registration, a pacer registration coupon code will be emailed to the participant (and the pacer, if their email was included in the information). This process is done manually; please be patient. We will ensure the code is sent with plenty of time for the pacer to register.
For additional pacer information, please see the Pacer & Crew Information Page: https://runsignup.com/Race/BrazosBend1002/Page/PacersCrew
Runners who Do Not Finish (DNF) their registered distance will show as DNF in the results. Habanero Hundred is the only TROT event that allows for dropdown medals/buckles. Medals and buckles are ordered based on registered participant numbers. There would be a significant cost increase for participants if each distance required inventory for every distance, or the medals and buckles would be generic for all events. We prefer to keep your costs down and provide event-specific finishers' awards.
Example: If you are signed up for the 100-mile but complete 100k, you will not receive a drop-down buckle and will be listed as a DNF in the results.
Under dry conditions, a road shoe is a great choice on the flat and smooth trails of Brazos Bend State Park. Under wet conditions, you may encounter muddy sections where a trail shoe would be a better choice. Fortunately, with the multi-loop course, it is recommended to have alternative shoe options at your personal support area at Elm Lake Pavilion.
Please log in to your RunSignup account to view the available registration edit options, which depend on the proximity to the race date. Options include deferrals (issued via TROT voucher credits) and transfers to other TROT events or other participants. There are no refunds.
Runners must carry a form of hydration device (cup, flask, bottle, bladder, etc.), their race bib properly placed on their front outermost layer, and a light device if running at night. Depending on conditions, the event may add mandatory gear requirements, such as a warm and/or waterproof layer. Remember this is a trail race with 2-6 mile stretches between aid stations; runners should be self-sufficient with fueling, hydration, adverse weather, and emergencies while on course.
