Ultra Expeditions

The Barrier Island Ultra is only days away. Here's some helpful information to know before the race.

Invite your friends to come run or volunteer.
www.ultraexpeditions.com/barrier-island-ultra

See you this weekend.

PACKET PICK UP
Friday 4:00 - 6:00 pm
At the Port A Beachlodge
2016 On the Beach Dr. Port Aransas, TX 78373

Saturday 5:30 - 7:30 am
At the Start / Finish line on the beach

GEAR
Prepare for the cold and wind. The race is near the water so early mornings tend to be cold and the wind can be strong.

COURSE
This is an out and back course run directly by the ocean. The sand is hard packed and is like running on a paved path. You can run closer to the water where the sand is hard packed or farther up the beach where the sand is more loose - runner’s choice!

CAMPING / HOTEL
Camping is allowed on the beach if you have a permit for your car. You can purchase a permit at all gas stations and grocery stores in Port Aransas.

Holiday Inn Express Port Aransas is the sponsored hotel for this race. www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/port-aransas/portx/hoteldetail

CREW / SPECTATORS
Set up your tents and chairs at any aid station. Set up at the start / finish aid station is permitted - but be sure not to block the beach in front of the arch.

DROP BAGS
Drop bags are allowed for any distance. If you have specific dietary needs we encourage you to bring your own nutrition. Please have your bags clearly marked with your name when you leave them in the drop bag area near start / finish.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - Spend a day at the beach supporting runners. We especially need help with any of the morning positions.

Come Run or Volunteer
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/TX/PortAransas/BarrierIslandUltra

Mustang Island - Port Aransas, Texas
5k, 10k, 13.1mi, 26.2mi, 50k, 50mi
November 8, 2025

Fantastic day at the Oktoberfest Trail Run in beautiful Farmersville, Texas. Thanks to the city for having us for 10 consecutive years!

We had so many superstars who celebrated either first or milestone distances, birthdays, eco challenge finishes, or we simply had runners accomplishing something rewarding and personal. We felt your energy today and were honored to celebrate you!

Our volunteers and race team gave it their all in the crazy early hours of the day, during blazing sunshine, and then in torrential downpours. You all are the behind the scenes success of the day and we could never do this without you.

In the words of dear Ellis, who this race is dedicated to, please remember to "fear less and live more!" We are blessed for the gift to run and we thank you for sharing your race with us today.

RACE DEDICATED to ELLIS EMERSON - The Oktoberfest Trail Run is forever dedicated in the memory of a North Texas runner and friend to many, Ellis Emerson.

Ellis lost her life to skin cancer. Her message would be to get your skin consistently checked due to sun exposure.

All who knew Ellis, knew her light and her love. The North Texas running community was infinitely blessed by her presence, support and kindness. Ellis pushed herself to run greater distances, and encouraged others to do the same. She continues to inspire us with her words "fear less, live more," and that "there are worse things than dying. Like not really living."

Each year we welcome her family and friends; many who travel far to come to the race dedicated to such a special person.

We are honored to bring Ellis' message to runners, advocate for oncology patients and caregivers and bring awareness to the dangers of skin cancer.

As outdoor enthusiasts we encourage you to take precautions and get checked and to fear less and live more.

SUN SAFETY FOR RUNNERS https://dermatologyconsultants.com/2021/08/25/sun-safety-for-runners/

SPOTLIGHT - Shutt'er Down Ranch
The Oktoberfest Trail Run is near and dear to our hearts for many reasons. It was our first race, it's our tenth anniversary and it also gives us an opportunity to shine a light on Shutt'er Down Ranch.

A SAFE PLACE FOR ANIMALS
Shutt'er Down Ranch is non-profit 33 acre animal rescue and sanctuary in Farmersville who's mission is to provide a safe haven for abused, abandoned and neglected animals with medical needs. They ensure these animals get medical attention and provide a peaceful environment for rehabilitation. One of their newest arrivals is a 45 yr old 65 lb. tortoise.

The ranch has been operating at maximum capacity with over 200 animals currently calling the ranch home. They are seeking support to create larger grazing pens and exercise yards enabling us to double our current capacity.

Here's how you can make a difference.
Donate, Volunteer, Adopt, Bring Awareness - follow, like and share on Facebook and Instagram

https://www.sdranch.com/rescues
Adoptable dog details on Pet Finder - https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/tx/farmersville/girtys-place-tx2324/

COMMON QUESTIONS - The Oktoberfest Trail Run is fast approaching. Here's some helpful information to know before the race.

There's still time to come run or volunteer.

Link to register in bio.
https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/oktoberfest-trail-run

See you this weekend.

PARKING
Park in any designated public parking areas in the City of Farmersville. Lots are also available at:
J.W. Spain Complex 400 Merit Street, Farmersville, TX 75442
Rike Field 100 S. Rike Street, Farmersville, TX 75442

START / FINISH
The trail race starts behind the Historic Onion Shed at the beginning of the Chaparral Trail.

SPECTATORS
This trail run starts in town and then winds through prairies on an old, converted railway. It is not easily accessible by roads. The marathon and 50k loop at the start / finish line – so this is the best place to see a runner. If you do try to find your runner along the trail, the responsibility is on you and your runner to determine the best spot in advance of race day.

DROP BAGS
All racers who loop the course can have a drop bag. Mark your bags with your name when you leave them in the drop bag area near Start / Finish, and make sure you pick them back up after the race.

BRING YOUR ID
IDs will be checked at Packet Pick Up for this race. You can pick up a friend's packet with a copy of their ID. You are welcome to hang out in the Onion Shed, or take your closed beer to go. All open beverages must stay in the Onion Shed.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - Cheer on runners from one of the aid stations at the Oktoberfest Trail Run. This is always a fun race and we appreciate your help.

Come Run or Volunteer
www.ultraexpeditions.com/oktoberfest-trail-run

Oktoberfest Trail Run
5k, 10k, 13.1mi, 26.2mi, 50k
Chaparral Trail in Farmersville Texas
October 18, 2025

Y'all brought energy and enthusiasm to the trails at the Piney Woods Ultra. Thank you to all participants, volunteers, and spectators for a wonderful race day.

Let's congratulate the winners and celebrate all the runners.

Baili Rhodes – 50k winner
Carter Bitticks – 50k winner

Katy Kanclerz – 25k winner
Ethan Hughes – 25k winner

Anna Trent – 10k winner
RJ Cowan – 10k winner **NEW COURSE RECORD**

Bridget Hamway – 5k winner
Austin Green – 5k winner

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and partners
Tyler State Park - Texas Parks for providing invaluable support that ensured the day ran smoothly.

Runners are
Hydrated by Crazy Water and Pickle Juice Sport
Fueled by HAMMER NUTRITION
Swag and medal designed by Schaaf Creative Designs
Medals produced by Ashworth Awards
Photo Credit Movin' Pictures