5K races near Smithville

Autumn Harvest Trail Weekend is a two-day trail running series at Lake Bastrop in the Lost Pines area of Central Texas, held in the fall. The weekend offers a range of events from short trail races to long endurance efforts, with options including a 5K, 5-miler, 10K, 10-miler, 20-miler, half marathon, marathon, 50K, and a Last Standing ultra. Saturday is the Ultra & Distance Day, featuring the longest events designed for runners seeking hours on dirt trails. The courses traverse fast dirt trails alongside Lake Bastrop, featuring winding lakeside sections, open skies, and tall pines. The most unique event is the Last Standing ultra: participants begin at Basecamp on the Gideon Loop and complete a 4.17-mile loop each hour. This format can extend to 24 loops, approximately 100 miles, with a 50-runner limit and a cumulative-time tiebreaker if necessary. The 9:00 AM start time means runners will face the heat of the day, sunset around the tenth hour, a full night, and potentially into the next morning if they meet the hourly cutoff.

Mujeres & Marigolds is a women-only trail race held at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas. It offers 100k, 50k, 25k, 10k, and 5k individual distances, along with a 100k relay option. This event has a limited field size, capped at 500 participants. The race begins early, with participants in the longest distances starting first, followed by shorter distances throughout the morning. The course features rolling ranch trails with modest climbs, requiring runners to adjust their pace frequently rather than maintaining a steady rhythm like on flat roads. The 100k race consists of four loops, the 50k of two loops, and the 25k, 10k, and 5k each involve a single loop. The event is designed for both individuals new to trail running and seasoned runners seeking an extended run on unpaved terrain without a large gathering.

Lost Souls Trail Run is a fall trail race at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, Texas, offering 50k, 25k, 10k, and 5k distances. The 50k begins first and covers two loops, while the 25k, 10k, and 5k each use a single loop. The event is limited to 500 participants, maintaining a more intimate scale compared to large city races. The course features short ascents and considerable rolling terrain, requiring runners to adjust their effort frequently rather than maintaining a steady pace. It is designed to accommodate both novice trail runners and seasoned athletes, with shorter races for those new to the sport and an ultra option for a more demanding run. Participants receive medals and merchandise, and the event includes complimentary camping, with showers and restrooms available at the ranch.