November 13 2021 Event RE-SCHEDULED for April 2nd, 2022
The Headwaters of the Frio Trail Marathon, Half, 12K, 5K is a challenging run/walk event across the rugged and isolated terrain of one of the most beautiful ranches in the Texas Hill Country.
This event highlights the vital mission of Hill Country Youth Ranch and Big Springs Ranch for Children which work to bring healing and restoration to children who have been victims of horrific abuse, abandonment and neglect. This is a fundraising event and participants raise a mimimum of $250 to directly benefit these children.
The difficulties and obstacles experienced on the course are a metaphor for the “marathon” our children face daily; while the beauty and tranquility of our 7,050 acre ranch will lift your spirit as it does the children who call this place home.
This is a timed event with 4 categories of participation:
Marathon runners and walkers
Half Marathon runners and walkers
12K runners and walkers
5K runners and walkers
The minimum age to participate in the Marathon is 18. The minimum age for the Half Marathon, 12K, and 5K is 14. There is no maximum age for any distance (last year our oldest participant was 79). You just need to be in reasonably good shape, train appropriately for the distance you choose, and be realistic about your capabilities. Marathon participants have the toughest challenge with 8 hours to complete the 26.2 mile course and must finish the first half by 3:45 to progress to the second half of the course.
Younger children are allowed to accompany a parent on the 5K course for no additional fee, provided a 1:1 parent child ratio is maintained.
You can sign up as an individual participant or start or join a team. Each participant gets a high quality race shirt, medal, and delicious BBQ lunch. Place medals are given to the 3 top male and female finishers in each race, in multiple age groups and all participants have the opportunity to win terrific individual and team fundraising prizes.
We go to great lengths to make this a unique, one of a kind experience. The event is limited to just 300 total participants spread out over the 4 courses. We offer the amenities you would expect from a large race, but the uncrowded course has a small race feel.