Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge
- Date Wed 1st October 2025 - Sat 4th October 2025
- Time 12:00AM CDT
- Location Leander, Texas
- Price $27.50 - $69.90
- Races 7 races
- Distances Marathon, Ultra, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure at the Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge, taking place from October 1 to October 4, 2025, in beautiful Leander, Travis. This exciting event invites participants to explore the stunning trails of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, offering a range of distances to challenge hikers of all levels. Choose from the Full Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K Challenge (6.2 miles), or take on the Ultra Marathon with options for 100 miles or 100K.
Kick off your journey on October 1 with a guided orientation hike, then enjoy the flexibility of completing your chosen distance at your own pace throughout the month of October. Whether you’re hiking solo or joining friends, this event promotes both fitness and fun, all while supporting local charities! Don’t miss out on the chance to earn exclusive completion awards, including a unique Ash Juniper cookie or patch. Register soon, as spots are limited, and get ready to embrace the breathtaking landscapes of Texas!
Kick off your journey on October 1 with a guided orientation hike, then enjoy the flexibility of completing your chosen distance at your own pace throughout the month of October. Whether you’re hiking solo or joining friends, this event promotes both fitness and fun, all while supporting local charities! Don’t miss out on the chance to earn exclusive completion awards, including a unique Ash Juniper cookie or patch. Register soon, as spots are limited, and get ready to embrace the breathtaking landscapes of Texas!
Organiser's Description
EXPLORING BALCONES CANYONLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
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. Proceeds from this event will support local charities.
EVENT TIMELINE:
-Kickoff Event: Saturday, October 1, 2025
-Challenge Period: October 1-30, 2025
-Completion Celebration: October 31, 2025
DIVISIONS & DISTANCES:
STANDARD HIKING DIVISION:
-Marathon (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$55 regular
-Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - $35 early bird/$45 regular
-10K Challenge (6.2 miles) - $25early bird/$35 regular
-Ultra Marathon (100 miles or 100K) $65 early bird/$75 regular
Choose Your Ultra Adventure:
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 COOKIER OR PATCH):
-Marathon Ruck (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$35 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:
-Event t-shirt
-Digital trail guide
-Strava Club access
-Completion certificate
-Distance-specific completion Ash Juniper cookie or patch
-Access to Kickoff Day guided hikes
FEATURED TRAILS:
_DOESKIN RANCH (10645 FM 1174 BERTRAM, TX)_
_WARBLER VISTA (21646 1/2 E. FM 1431, LAGO VISTA, TX)_
HOW IT WORKS:
* Register for your chosen distance
* Attend our Kickoff Event for guided orientation hikes (optional but recommended)
* Complete your miles between October 1-30
* Track your hikes via Strava
* Join our celebration event to receive your completion awards
IMPORTANT NOTES:
* All trails are on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (free access)
* Trails open sunrise to sunset
* Mix and match trails to achieve your distance
* Repeat trails as desired
* Join solo or hike with friends or the Friends of the Balcones
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. Proceeds from this event will support local charities.
EVENT TIMELINE:
-Kickoff Event: Saturday, October 1, 2025
-Challenge Period: October 1-30, 2025
-Completion Celebration: October 31, 2025
DIVISIONS & DISTANCES:
STANDARD HIKING DIVISION:
-Marathon (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$55 regular
-Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - $35 early bird/$45 regular
-10K Challenge (6.2 miles) - $25early bird/$35 regular
-Ultra Marathon (100 miles or 100K) $65 early bird/$75 regular
Choose Your Ultra Adventure:
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 COOKIER OR PATCH):
-Marathon Ruck (26.2 miles) - $45 early bird/$35 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:
-Event t-shirt
-Digital trail guide
-Strava Club access
-Completion certificate
-Distance-specific completion Ash Juniper cookie or patch
-Access to Kickoff Day guided hikes
FEATURED TRAILS:
_DOESKIN RANCH (10645 FM 1174 BERTRAM, TX)_
_WARBLER VISTA (21646 1/2 E. FM 1431, LAGO VISTA, TX)_
HOW IT WORKS:
* Register for your chosen distance
* Attend our Kickoff Event for guided orientation hikes (optional but recommended)
* Complete your miles between October 1-30
* Track your hikes via Strava
* Join our celebration event to receive your completion awards
IMPORTANT NOTES:
* All trails are on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (free access)
* Trails open sunrise to sunset
* Mix and match trails to achieve your distance
* Repeat trails as desired
* Join solo or hike with friends or the Friends of the Balcones
Races
-
Heart of Hill Country Marathon
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$38.10
OPENS SOONExperience 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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$69.90
OPENS SOONTake 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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$27.50
OPENS SOONPerfect 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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$48.70
OPENS SOONChallenge 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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$38.10
OPENS SOONStep 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
Wed 1st October 2025 (12:00AM CDT)
$27.50
OPENS SOONBegin 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.
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Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge