Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge
- Date Wed 1st October 2025 - Thu 30th October 2025
- Location Virtual Event
- Price $27.50 - $69.90
- Races 7 races
- Distances Marathon, Ultra, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for the Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge, taking place from October 1 to October 30, 2025, in the beautiful Leander, Travis area! This exciting event invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore the stunning trails of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge while completing a hiking marathon distance at their own pace. Participants can choose from a variety of challenges, including a 26.2-mile Full Marathon, a 13.1-mile Half Marathon, a 10K Challenge (6.2 miles), or even tackle the Ultra Marathon options of 100 miles or 100K.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newcomer, this 30-day adventure allows you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Texas Hill Country, with guided hikes available to enhance your experience. Plus, the proceeds from this event support local charities, making your journey even more meaningful. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature! Register soon, as spaces are limited, and gear up for a completion celebration on October 31, 2025.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a newcomer, this 30-day adventure allows you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Texas Hill Country, with guided hikes available to enhance your experience. Plus, the proceeds from this event support local charities, making your journey even more meaningful. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature! Register soon, as spaces are limited, and gear up for a completion celebration on October 31, 2025.
Organiser's 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
KICKOFF EVENT
Saturday, October 1, 2025
CHALLENGE PERIOD
October 1-30, 2025
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
DIGITAL TRAIL GUIDE
Comprehensive guide to all trails
STRAVA CLUB ACCESS
Track & share your progress
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
Digital recognition of achievement
ASH JUNIPER COOKIE/COIN
Distance-specific completion award
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 1/2 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
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
KICKOFF EVENT
Saturday, October 1, 2025
CHALLENGE PERIOD
October 1-30, 2025
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
DIGITAL TRAIL GUIDE
Comprehensive guide to all trails
STRAVA CLUB ACCESS
Track & share your progress
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
Digital recognition of achievement
ASH JUNIPER COOKIE/COIN
Distance-specific completion award
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 1/2 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
Races
-
Heart of Hill Country Marathon
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
$48.70
Take on the challenge of completing a full marathon distance across the scenic trails of Balcones Canyonlands. Over 30 days, you'll explore diverse terrain from creek-side paths to scenic overlooks, covering 26.2 miles at your own pace. This distance is perfect for experienced hikers or those looking to gradually build their trail endurance. Mix and match trails between Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista, tracking your progress via Strava. Complete multiple shorter hikes or longer adventures - the choice is yours. Your achievement will be recognized with our signature finisher's Ash Juniper cookie or patch and shirt. Join our kickoff event for the course preview and guided trail orientation. -
Heart of Hill Country Half-Marathon
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
$38.10
Experience the beauty of Balcones Canyonlands as you complete a half marathon distance over 30 days. This distance offers a perfect introduction to trail hiking or a manageable challenge for regular hikers. Choose from seven different trails across two locations, each offering unique perspectives of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you prefer the creek-side paths of Doeskin Ranch or the panoramic views at Warbler Vista, you'll have plenty of options to achieve your goal. Track your progress through Strava, connect with other participants, and celebrate your achievement with a commemorative shirt at the completion celebration. -
Heart of Hill Country Ultra Marathon 100k/100M
Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt
$69.90
Take on our ultimate challenge across Balcones Canyonlands' diverse trail system. Choose between the epic 100-mile journey or the demanding 100K (62.1 miles) distance, both to be completed within the 30-day challenge period. This division is designed for experienced hikers and ruckers ready to push their boundaries across repeated circuits of our seven signature trails. Ultra participants receive special recognition with a premium finisher's award package including an exclusive Ultra division Ash Juniper cookie or patch, shirt, and commemorative item. Log your progress via Strava while exploring every inch of both Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista properties. Ultra participants are encouraged to join our kickoff event for detailed trail orientation and strategic planning guidance. Connect with fellow ultra-distance participants through our Strava club for support and shared experiences. This division offers a unique way to intimately know these trails while achieving an impressive distance goal. Night hiking is not permitted as refuge trails are only open sunrise to sunset. Create your own ultra-journey by mixing and matching our trails in any combination, with full tracking and verification through designated checkpoints. Choose your challenge: 100 Mile Ultra (160.9K) 100K Ultra (62.1 miles) Choose Your Adventure: GUIDED 4-DAY GROUP HIKE - 100 MILES Professional guide leads you through all 100 miles Structured 4-day itinerary (Mar 5-8, 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 -
Heart of Hill Country 10K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
$27.50
Perfect for beginners or those with limited time, our 10K challenge lets you experience the highlights of Balcones Canyonlands at a comfortable pace. Complete 6.2 miles over 30 days, choosing from seven scenic trails across two beautiful locations. This distance can be completed in as few as two to three visits, making it ideal for weekend warriors or families. Start with the easier trails or challenge yourself on the Cactus Rocks Trail - the choice is yours. Join our kickoff event to learn the trails, track your progress via Strava, and earn your finisher's shirt. -
Heart of Hill Country Marathon Ruck Division
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
$48.70
Challenge yourself to 26.2 miles of weighted hiking across the scenic trails of Balcones Canyonlands. This division requires carrying a minimum 20-pound pack filled with practical gear (no sand or weight plates) as you explore both Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista over 30 days. Perfect for backpacking training, or those seeking an extra challenge. Document your pack weight at trailhead checkpoints with photos and maintain weight throughout each hike. Mix and match trails to reach your total distance while building strength and endurance. Ruckers receive special recognition with our exclusive weight-bearing division Ash Juniper cookie or patch and T-shirt. Join our orientation hike for guidance on pack fitting, weight distribution, and trail selection strategies specific to weighted hiking. -
Heart of Hill Country Half-Marathon Ruck Division
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
$38.10
Step into the world of rucking with our 13.1-mile challenge. Carry a minimum 15-pound pack as you discover the diverse terrain of Balcones Canyonlands over 30 days. This distance offers an ideal introduction to weighted hiking or a solid training goal for outdoor enthusiasts. Your pack must contain practical gear and supplies, with weight verified at trail checkpoints through photo documentation. Choose from seven distinct trails across two locations, tracking your weighted adventures via Strava. Half marathon ruckers earn our specialized rucking division Ash Juniper cookie or patch and shirt. Attend our kickoff event for guidance on proper rucking form, gear selection, and trail recommendations tailored for weighted hiking. -
Heart of Hill Country Hiking Marathon 10K Ruck Division
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
$27.50
Begin your rucking journey with our accessible 10K challenge. Complete 6.2 miles while carrying a minimum 10-pound pack filled with practical gear and supplies. Perfect for those new to weighted hiking or anyone wanting to enhance their trail experience. Document your pack weight at trailhead checkpoints and maintain it throughout each hike. This entry-level distance can be completed in 2-3 visits, making it ideal for weekend warriors looking to add intensity to their outdoor workouts. Choose from beginner-friendly trails or challenge yourself on more demanding terrain. 10K ruckers receive our rucking division Ash Juniper cookie or patch and shirt. Start with our guided orientation hike to learn essential rucking techniques and trail selection strategies.
Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge
