Friends of Government Canyon Recharge Run 8K/15K

Event Overview

RUN THE RECHARGE where the Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs once roamed on the trails of Government Canyon State Natural Area! This is your opportunity to run amongst the footsteps of giants! We hope you will join us in-person, but we offer a virtual option as well for those who can’t make the race in-person or live outside of San Antonio, TX. Either way sign up and help support one of Texas’ largest natural areas and help us protect and preserve these trails for another 116,000 million years.

About Our Annual Fundraiser

• 13th Anniversary: This year marks the 13th Anniversary of the Recharge Run and is our annual fundraiser that benefits the Friends of Government Canyon (FoGC).
• 501(c)3 Organization: FoGC advocates, raises funds, and provides volunteer support to help maintain, preserve, and protect Government Canyon State Natural Area.
• Direct Funding: Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, all of your race entry fee goes directly to helping fund projects at Government Canyon State Natural Area.
• Learn More: To learn more about the Friends group, all the great things they do, and how you can get involved click HERE.

Race Details

IN-PERSON RACE Saturday, November 7, 2026 @ GCSNA, 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio, TX 78254

Race Start Times

• 15K: 7:30am
• 8K: 7:45am
• Course Closure: Courses close at 11:30am.

The start/finish line is approximately a 1/4 mile from picnic pavilion and bus drop off/pickup area.

Getting Here & Parking

Due to parking constraints at the Canyon runners MUST park at Folks Middle School https://goo.gl/maps/f9mmFeEhacEPUtgQ9. Buses will run from 6:15am until 7:35am, and from 9am until 11:45am. Arrive at least one hour early to park, ride bus to Natural Area, pick up packet at pavilion, and walk 1/4 mile to start/finish line.

Awards & Ceremony

In-person race will be timed by Split Second Productions. Your race timing chip is on the back of your race bib. Please DO NOT bend the chips, and please wear your bib on the FRONT of your shirt/bottoms.

• Top Finishers: The Top 3 Male/Female/Non-binary finishers, and Top 3 Masters Male/Female/Non-binary (50+) Finishers will receive a handmade RockStar to commemorate your win.
• Finishers Medal: A unique finishers medal for every runner who crosses the finish line.
• Awards Ceremony: Ceremony at approximately 10am. There are no age group awards.

Post-Race Celebration

DINO-MITE Post-Race Celebration - Jurassic SA Dinosaur Experiences will be on hand after the race and during the awards ceremony for photo ops and prehistoric fist bumps! Join us for tasty post-race food and refreshments at the Picnic Pavilion. Expect HEB Texas True Tacos, HEB snacks, Wildway Granola, fresh fruit, Propel Fitness Water, Crazy Water, and much more.

Course & Aid Station Information

All races start and finish at the same location. There is an Aid Station located approximately half way on each course with Crazy Water (mother-nature infused water), Propel electrolytes, Wildway granola (vegan), and GU Gels (15K course only, GF/vegan).

We are a CUPLESS race. Please wear or carry a hydration device, or ask for a complimentary HydraPak SpeedCup at packet pickup or at any Aid Station.

• 15K Route: can expect rugged singletrack, steep climbs, and jaw-dropping views.
• 8K Route: has winding, runnable paths flowing through oak and juniper woodlands and open prairies.
• Time Constraint: All runners MUST clear courses by 11:30am.

Virtual Run Details

For the virtual option, you can run or walk like a dinosaur from any location and route you choose. Simply signup, download and print your digital race bib, complete your 15K or 8K distance. Pick up your packet or pay shipping to have it sent your way. You still get your race shirt and medal for all the bragging rights. Virtual participants are not eligible for awards.

• Digital Bib: Login to your RunSignup profile, Select >: Upcoming Events >: View Digital Bib...Print and Run!
• Packet Pickup Options: Pick up your packet in-person, or choose to have it sent anywhere in the USA for a fee.
• Shipping Note: If you do NOT pay to have your packet shipped, you MUST pickup in person or have a friend pickup for you.
• Social Media: Please take a picture at the end of your run with your shirt and medal. Upload these to social media platforms and share on our Facebook page.

Registration Information

Register Early. This race will cap at 300 participants. Sign up with early bird pricing waves through September 30th at 11:59pm.

In-Person Packet Pick Up

PACKET PICKUP #1: Friday, November 6th from 4pm-7pm
Location: iRun Texas - Broadway, 4001 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
PACKET PICKUP #2: Saturday, November 7th from 6:15-7:30am (morning of race)
Location: Government Canyon State Natural Area, Picnic Pavilion (bus drop off area)

Stay Connected

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Important Notes

• No Dogs or Strollers: NO dogs or strollers allowed on the courses.
• CUPLESS Race: This is a CUPLESS race—please carry a hydration device.
• Rain/Trail Closures: In the event of RAIN/TRAIL CLOSURES, the race will be run on the paved roads in areas accessible to the public.
• No Refunds: Sorry, NO REFUNDS.