Cycling & running events in Longview, 2026

Longview Training Notes

Running: Locals keep running simple in Longview, with 5K legs, 10K efforts, and half marathon routes that fit base miles or sharper intervals. The route covers 26 km and gains 118 m, so it gives more bite than the flatter Hallsville New Year 5k 2013. East Texas Triathletes gives the multisport crowd a natural home. 1M, Medal Madness, Ninja, Strong Shall Stand 5K, and Pilar McLemore Butterfly Run give the calendar enough anchor races to stay honest.

Cycling: Riders point the front wheel out of Longview and let the backroads do the work. The Beast Of The Backroads gives the town its real anchor event, with 100 mile, 65 mile, and 25 mile bike options. The 100M bike loop goes from Longview to Hallsville to Harelton to Marshall to Longview and stacks 7000ft of elevation gain, so the climbs live out there on that loop. East Texas Triathletes keeps riders connected when tri season, gran fondo goals, or long Z2 rides start overlapping. A 1 mi ride mapped near Longview gains 106 m, which fits a short punchy day.

Season: March treats Longview well, and the average weather sits between 57 and 69 degrees for clean training days. Locals use that window for steady run volume, longer bike routes, and race-specific work before the summer heat takes over. Summer sessions need earlier starts, more fluids, and smarter Z2 pacing, especially when the ride or run stretches past town. Winter keeps both sports rolling, but locals usually trade peak-speed work for base miles, half marathon rhythm, and backroad endurance before the next Beast build starts.