Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Leander, TX 78645

Running > Marathon, Half Marathon

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Event Description

BALCONES CANYONLANDS HIKING CHALLENGE

Explore the Scenic Trails of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

ULTRA MARATHON
MARATHON
HALF MARATHON
10K CHALLENGE
RUCKING DIVISION

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

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Kickoff Event

Saturday, October 1, 2025

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Challenge Period

October 1-30, 2025

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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

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Digital Trail Guide

Comprehensive guide to all trails

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Strava Club Access

Track & share your progress

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Completion Certificate

Digital recognition of achievement

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Ash Juniper Cookie/Coin

Distance-specific completion award

πŸ‘£

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 Β½ E. FM 1431, Lago Vista, TX

HOW IT WORKS

1

Register

Choose your distance and division

2

Attend Kickoff

Optional but recommended guided orientation

3

Complete Miles

Hike between October 1-30

4

Track Hikes

Use Strava to log your progress

5

Celebrate

Join our Oct 31 event to receive awards


Event Location & Accomodations


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