Galveston Ultra Trail

GALVESTON ULTRA TRAIL

Location: Galveston Island | Texas
Date: October 17, 2026

The Galveston Ultra Trail by Trail Racing Over Texas brings a one-of-a-kind trail running experience to the Texas coast—where the trail is pure shoreline.

This is not your typical road race and not your typical trail race.

Run, walk, or ruck along miles of open beach with distances for every level—from your first 5K to a full 50K point-to-point ultra across the island.

With the Gulf at your side, sunrise ahead, and waves guiding every step, this is one of the most unique endurance events in Texas.

Run the Island.
Interested in the Houston Ultra Trail on February 13th, 2027? CLICK HERE

What Makes This Race Different

True Coastal Trail Running

• Miles: Miles of runnable beachfront
• Sand: Hard-packed sand for fast, flowing miles
• Views: Ocean views the entire way
• Unique: A point-to-point ultra unlike anything else in Texas

Sunrise Start Experience

• Early Start: Early start for longer distances
• Sunrise: Run into the sunrise over the Gulf
• Atmosphere: A race atmosphere that feels more like an adventure

A Supportive, Community Atmosphere

Trail Racing Over Texas events are built to be:

• Friendly: Friendly and encouraging
• Welcoming: Beginner-welcoming
• Community: Community-driven

Whether you’re racing for a PR or just finishing, you’re part of the same experience.

Fully Supported Aid Stations

• Hydration: Water & electrolytes (NeverSecond)
• Snacks: Sweet & salty snacks
• Options: Ultra-friendly fueling options
• Strategic: Strategic placement along the course

Our volunteers are there to keep you moving strong.

Unique Race Format

50K Point-to-Point

• Shuttle: Shuttle to the start
• Length: Run the length of Galveston Island
• Finish: Finish at the central race hub

50K Relay (5 x 10K)

• Teams: Teams of 2–5 runners
• Segments: Five beach segments
• Exchange: Exchange points along the course
• Experience: A shared ultra experience

Finish Line Festival

When you finish, the day is just getting started.

• Music: Live music
• Food: Food trucks
• Drinks: Cold drinks
• Vibes: Beachfront vibes
• Medals: Texas-size finisher medals

Celebrate with your crew as the Gulf rolls in.

Distances for Everyone

• 50K: 50K (Point-to-Point)
• Relay: 50K Relay
• Half: Half Marathon
• 10K: 10K
• 5K: 5K
• 1 Mile: 1 Mile Beach Run
• Kids: Free Kids Run

From first-time runners to experienced ultra athletes—this event is designed to be accessible, fun, and challenging.

Well-Organized, Thoughtful Racing

• Markings: Clear course markings
• Logistics: Smooth shuttle logistics
• Stations: Well-spaced aid stations
• Planning: Safety-first planning for coastal conditions
• Respect: Leave No Trace respect for the beach

Who This Race Is For

• First-timers: First-time trail runners
• Road Runners: Road runners looking for something different
• Marathoners: Marathoners stepping into ultra distance
• Teams: Relay teams & friend groups
• Families: Families and kids

Runner Perks

• Medals: Finisher medals
• Shirts: Race shirt
• Timing: Chip timing
• Aid Stations: Fully stocked aid stations
• Photos: Free race photos
• Experience: A truly unique race experience

Course Experience

• Running: Beachfront running the entire way
• Conditions: Hard-packed sand conditions (tide dependent)
• Elevation: Minimal elevation, maximum exposure
• Environment: Wind, waves, and wide-open space
• Change: A constantly changing coastal environment

This is trail running—Texas coast style.

Logistics

All parking will be at East Beach and will require the purchase of a $15 venue pass per vehicle (benefits to carpooling!) directly to the venue parking system with the City of Galveston. Additional parking instructions and details will be provided closer to the event. Stay tuned for updates.

50K Ultra Runners: Will park at East Beach first thing in the morning to board the shuttle buses to the start line. Buses are for participants only, one-way only, and will not return. We will have a gear drop area at the start that will be transported back to the finish line. Alternatively, participants may be dropped off at the start line at the San Luis Pass, or leave a vehicle, but must arrange their own logistics to retrieve after the event (no shuttle provided after finishing). The trip is roughly 55 minutes.

50K Relay Teams: Each team should plan on having their own vehicle (one) to leapfrog down the course line to each exchange zone (roughly every 10km). Each exchange zone will be at a beach access point, and you should plan on driving on sand for some sections. No shuttle provided for relay teams. Final parking will be at the East Beach finish line (can be used for relay team staging before the race: keep in mind there is a parking fee per vehicle).