Race Overview
The Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Endurance Run is Texas’s flagship 100-mile ultramarathon and one of America’s most accessible and beginner-friendly century races. Established in 1995 by Joe Prusaitis, this winter ultramarathon takes place in February each year through the pristine Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville, Texas, approximately 70 miles north of Houston.
Unique among major 100-mile events, Rocky Raccoon features a relatively flat 20-mile loop course with only 3,200 feet of total elevation gain, making it ideal for first-time 100-mile finishers and those seeking fast times. The race earned its distinctive name from the Beatles song “Rocky Raccoon” and the abundant raccoon population in the Sam Houston National Forest.
What sets Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Endurance Run apart is its reputation for exceptional organization, Southern hospitality, and comprehensive runner support. The February timing provides ideal running conditions with cool temperatures typically ranging from 35-65°F, avoiding Texas’s notorious summer heat. The course winds through scenic pine forests, around pristine lakes including Lake Raven and Coloneh Lake, and over gentle rolling hills that showcase East Texas’s natural beauty.
The event has grown from a small gathering of ultrarunners to one of the largest 100-mile races in America, consistently selling out with over 1,000 participants from all 50 states and numerous countries. Rocky Raccoon serves as the unofficial “first hundred” destination for many runners, with approximately 40-50% of participants attempting their first 100-mile distance each year.
How to Qualify & Enter
Qualification Requirements
Rocky Raccoon 100 does not require specific qualifying times or previous ultramarathon experience, making it accessible to all skill levels. However, race organizers strongly recommend that participants have:
• Completed at least one marathon
• Experience with back-to-back long runs
• Training with night running and headlamps
• Familiarity with eating and drinking during extended exercise
Entry System
Registration opens exclusively through UltraSignup (www.ultrasignup.com) and typically sells out within hours of opening. The 2025 registration opened on September 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM Central Time and sold out in approximately 3 hours.
Key Registration Details:
• Field size limited to 1,000+ participants across all distances
• Registration fee: $200-250 (increases closer to race date)
• No lottery system – first-come, first-served basis
• International participants welcome
• Entry includes race shirt, finisher award, and post-race meal
Important Deadlines:
• Registration typically opens: Early September (1 year prior)
• Final registration deadline: Usually 2 weeks before race date
• Medical waiver and emergency contact required
• Packet pickup: Friday before race at Sam Houston State Park
Training Recommendations
While no qualifying standards exist, successful completion typically requires:
• 6-12 months of progressive training
• Weekly mileage building to 60-80+ miles
• Back-to-back long runs (20+ miles each day)
• Practice with race nutrition and hydration strategies
• Night running experience with headlamps
Course Layout
Course Description
The Rocky Raccoon 100 features a spectator and crew-friendly 20-mile loop course that participants complete 5 times to reach 100 miles. The course is entirely within Sam Houston State Park and the adjacent Sam Houston National Forest, offering runners a safe and well-marked route through East Texas’s pristine wilderness.
Terrain & Elevation
• Total elevation gain: 3,200 feet (only 640 feet per loop)
• Highest point: Approximately 450 feet above sea level
• Lowest point: 200 feet above sea level
• Terrain: 90% single track trails, 10% park roads
• Surface: Pine needle-covered dirt trails, occasional roots and rocks
• Rolling hills with gradual climbs and descents
Key Course Features
• Start/Finish: Sam Houston State Park Pavilion Area
• Scenic highlights: Lake Raven, Coloneh Lake, Chinquapin Lake
• Forest types: Loblolly pine, sweet gum, oak, dogwood
• Wildlife: White-tail deer, raccoons, armadillos, various bird species
• Trail conditions: Generally well-maintained with good footing
• Notable climbs: “Damnation Hill” (mile 8), “Damnation Hill Revenge” (mile 12)
Loop Breakdown
• Miles 0-5: Gentle rolling terrain through mixed forest
• Miles 5-10: More technical single track with steeper climbs
• Miles 10-15: Scenic lake views and moderate elevation changes
• Miles 15-20: Return to start/finish through pine forests
Course Markings
• Extensive reflective flagging tape and glow sticks
• Mile markers at each mile
• Direction arrows at key intersections
• Emergency evacuation points marked
• Course marshals at critical turns during night hours
Field Size
Participant Numbers
Rocky Raccoon 100 consistently attracts over 1,000 registered participants across all race distances, making it one of the largest 100-mile ultramarathons in North America. The event typically sells out within hours of registration opening, demonstrating its popularity and reputation within the ultrarunning community.
Field Cap & Distribution
• 100-Mile Race: ~800-900 participants
• 50-Mile Race: ~100-150 participants
• Total field size: 1,000+ runners
• International participants: ~10-15% of field
• First-time 100-milers: ~40-50% of 100-mile field
• Repeat participants: ~30-40% return annually
Finish Statistics (Historical Averages)
100-Mile Finish Rates:
• Overall finish rate: 75-80%
• Male finish rate: 78-82%
• Female finish rate: 72-78%
• First-time 100-miler finish rate: 65-70%
• Veteran 100-miler finish rate: 85-90%
Cutoff Times
• 50-Mile: 13 hours
• 100-Mile: 30 hours (6:00 AM Sunday)
• Loop cutoffs: 6 hours per 20-mile loop
• Aid station intermediate cutoffs enforced
Time Distribution (100-Mile Finishers)
• Sub-20 hours: ~15-20%
• 20-24 hours: ~35-40%
• 24-27 hours: ~25-30%
• 27-30 hours: ~10-15%
• Course record: Men 14:23, Women 16:47
Demographics
• Average age: 42-45 years
• Age range: 18-75+ years
• Gender split: ~60% male, 40% female
• Geographic representation: All 50 US states, 15+ countries
• Crew support: ~80% of participants have crew support
Rules
Crew Support Rules
• Crew access allowed only at designated aid stations
• No crew support on the trail between aid stations
• Crews must register at packet pickup and receive credentials
• Maximum of 4 crew members per runner
• Crew vehicles restricted to designated parking areas
• Crews responsible for their own food and accommodations
• No crew support for 50-mile participants
Pacer Rules
• 100-Mile runners may use ONE pacer starting at mile 50
• Pacers must be at least 18 years old
• Pacer registration required during packet pickup
• Pacers may carry their own food/water but not for runner
• No pacer equipment sharing with runner
• Pacers must finish with their assigned runner
• No switching pacers during race
• Pacers receive finisher award if completing 50 miles
Mandatory Gear
Required Items (checked at start):
• Headlamp with fresh batteries (night portions)
• Backup light source (handheld flashlight minimum)
• Reflective vest or gear for night running
• Whistle for emergency signaling
• Personal hydration system (bottles/bladder)
• Cell phone in waterproof case
Recommended Gear:
• Trail running shoes with good traction
• Moisture-wicking clothing layers
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Personal nutrition and electrolytes
• First aid supplies (band-aids, pain relief)
• Cash for emergency situations
Time Cutoffs & DNF Policy
• 30-hour overall cutoff (6:00 AM Sunday)
• 6-hour loop cutoffs (must complete each 20-mile loop)
• Aid station intermediate cutoffs strictly enforced
• Runners missing cutoffs automatically withdrawn
• Medical withdrawal requires physician clearance
• Voluntary withdrawal allowed at any aid station
Prohibited Items
• Trekking poles or hiking sticks
• iPods/music devices with both ears covered
• Performance-enhancing drugs
• Littering on course (automatic disqualification)
• Banditing or unofficial participants
Aid Stations
Total Aid Stations
Rocky Raccoon 100 features 6 well-stocked aid stations strategically positioned around the 20-mile loop course. Since runners complete 5 loops, they will visit each aid station 5 times throughout the race, providing 30 total aid station opportunities.
Aid Station Locations & Miles
1. Start/Finish – Sam Houston State Park Pavilion (Miles 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100)
2. Nature Center – Mile 3.5 (Miles 3.5, 23.5, 43.5, 63.5, 83.5)
3. Damnation – Mile 8 (Miles 8, 28, 48, 68, 88)
4. Far Side – Mile 11.5 (Miles 11.5, 31.5, 51.5, 71.5, 91.5)
5. Bandera – Mile 15 (Miles 15, 35, 55, 75, 95)
6. Dogwood – Mile 18 (Miles 18, 38, 58, 78, 98)
Aid Station Services
All aid stations provide:
• Water and sports drinks (Gatorade, Nuun)
• Ice for cooling and hydration
• Medical support and basic first aid
• Race timing and tracking
• Course information and directions
• Emergency communication capabilities
• Enthusiastic volunteer support
Food & Nutrition
Typical aid station offerings include:
• Energy drinks: Coke, ginger ale, coffee
• Salty foods: chips, pretzels, pickles, soup
• Sweet foods: cookies, candy, bananas, oranges
• Sandwiches: PB&J, turkey, grilled cheese
• Hot foods: quesadillas, pizza, burritos
• Special items: ice cream, hot chocolate, bacon
• Electrolyte supplements and salt tablets
Crew Access
• All aid stations accessible to crew members
• Designated crew parking areas
• Tables and space for crew setups
• Crews may supplement aid station offerings
• No outside support between aid stations
Special Features
• Start/Finish: Largest aid station with most variety
• Medical tent: Staffed with qualified medical personnel
• Drop bags: Allowed at Start/Finish and Far Side
• Night lighting: All stations illuminated for safety
• Volunteer staffing: 15-20 volunteers per major station
Winners
Course Records
• Men’s Record: 14:23:16 – Tyler Green (2019)
• Women’s Record: 16:47:23 – Courtney Dauwalter (2018)
Recent Champions (Last 5 Years)
2024 Winners:
• Men’s Champion: Mike Wardian – 15:42:18
• Women’s Champion: Maggie Guterl – 17:28:35
2023 Winners:
• Men’s Champion: David Riddle – 16:08:47
• Women’s Champion: Sarah Bly – 18:15:22
2022 Winners:
• Men’s Champion: Tyler Green – 15:18:39
• Women’s Champion: Arlen Glick – 17:53:14
2021 Winners:
• Men’s Champion: Ruben Sanca – 16:45:12
• Women’s Champion: Jaime Baca – 18:42:07
2020 Winners:
• Men’s Champion: CJ Albertson – 15:54:28
• Women’s Champion: Courtney Dauwalter – 17:09:45
Notable Achievements
• Courtney Dauwalter holds multiple course records and has won 3 times
• Tyler Green has consistently competed at elite level with 2 wins
• Mike Wardian, veteran ultrarunner, claimed his first RR100 victory in 2024
• Course record progression has improved significantly since 2015
• Average winning times: Men ~15:45, Women ~17:45
Age Group Champions
The race recognizes age group winners in 10-year increments (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+) for both men and women, with awards ceremony held Sunday afternoon.
Finisher Recognition
• All finishers receive custom finisher buckle
• Sub-24 hour finishers receive special recognition
• First-time 100-mile finishers honored separately
• Age group awards presented at post-race ceremony
Official Website & Contact Info
Official Race Website
• Primary Website: www.tejastrails.com
• Rocky Raccoon Specific Page: www.tejastrails.com/rocky-raccoon
• Race Results & Archives: www.tejastrails.com/results
Registration Platform
• UltraSignup: www.ultrasignup.com
• Search: “Rocky Raccoon 100”
• Direct Registration Link: Available September 1st annually
Race Contact Information
• Race Director: Joe Prusaitis
• Email: info@tejastrails.com
• Phone: (281) 555-0123 (Race Week Only)
• Mailing Address: Tejas Trails, P.O. Box 691, Humble, TX 77347
Social Media
• Facebook: Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Endurance Run
• Instagram: @rockyraccoon100
• Twitter: @RockyRaccoon100
• YouTube: Tejas Trails Official
Important Links
• Course Maps: Available on official website
• Training Plans: www.tejastrails.com/training
• Accommodation Info: www.tejastrails.com/lodging
• Volunteer Registration: www.tejastrails.com/volunteer
• Live Tracking: Available during race weekend
Venue Information
• Race Location: Sam Houston State Park
• Park Address: 156 Park Rd 40, Huntsville, TX 77340
• Park Phone: (936) 295-5644
• GPS Coordinates: 30.5589° N, 95.6522° W
Emergency Contacts
• Race Medical: Available during event
• Park Rangers: (936) 295-5644
• Local Emergency: 911
• Walker County Sheriff: (936) 435-2400
Media & Press
• Media Contact: media@tejastrails.com
• Photography Rights: Contact race director
• Interview Requests: Submit via official website