FAQs

The following FAQs apply to all Blaze Trails races. For race-specific questions, please review the race-specific info page. If your question is not answered below or on the race information, send your question to info@blazetrails.com. The week leading up to an event is extremely busy and we will not always reply if your question is answered in the information provided. Thank you for understanding.

Registration

Do you offer a military/veteran/first responder discount? 

I registered for the race, but now I can’t run. May I get a refund? 

  • Runners can get full race credit one month before the event. You can cancel for a 50% race credit between one month and two weeks. In the final two weeks leading up to the event, no refunds/race credits/ or transfers to other runners or races are allowed. No exceptions.
  • To cancel and get full or partial credit, log into Ultrasignup > Registration History and select “Edit” to cancel your race.

If I can no longer run, may I still get my bib and shirt?

  • Yes, you or a friend can pick up the bib and shirt during packet pickup. However, we will not mail race shirts, nor will we provide finisher medals to anyone who did not attend the event.

May I change the distance I am running?

  • Yes, we allow people to change distances up to three days before the race as long as the distance has not sold out. Go to your email confirmation and click on “Edit Order.” You can also log into your Ultrasignup account > Registration History and select “Edit” for your race.

How do I fix an error on my registration?

  • If you need to change the distance, shirt size or emergency contact information, log into your Ultrasignup account and go to Account Info > Registration History, then select the race you want to edit.
  • If you need to change personal account information, log into your Ultrasignup account and select Account Info > Edit Profile. Some information, such as your email address, can only be updated by contacting Ultrasignup directly.

Do you have an age requirement to participate in your race?

Minors (under the age of 18) are allowed to participate as long as the parent/guardian gives permission. We do not have a specific age requirement because we believe the parent/guardian knows best what their child can handle.

  • If the minor runs with you, please ensure they can handle the distance. Ensure they have the gear needed for the trail, including proper shoes and a hydration system.
  • If the minor runs independently, they must also be able to follow course markings and instructions. They should also follow all rules of the trail and race course.

If you have questions about a specific trail or race, please send an email, info@blazetrails.com, or post in the Blaze Trails group to ask other runners their experiences.

Do you cancel if it rains/snows or if there is severe weather?

  • We can plan and prepare for a lot, but we can’t control the weather. Most of the time, when it rains, we will still hold the race.* There have been exceptions when we had to cancel, such as when the trails were flooded. We will also cancel the race if the conditions are dangerous to runners and volunteers.
  • When you register, you sign an agreement that you understand unexpected natural occurrences happen, and you will not receive a refund. The reason is that our race expenses are sunk long before race day.
  • We will do everything possible to avoid this from happening. Options we will consider include:
    • Postpone to an alternate date
    • Move to a new venue

*The races at Cedar Hill State Park and Bridgeport cannot be hosted on wet trails. Please read through the race information carefully before registering.

 

Race Planning

What does “cupless race” mean?

  • All runners must run with a hydration system such as a handheld bottle, vest with bottles or bladder, or a belt pack. We recommend that you visit your local running store to sort through your options. Aid stations are several miles apart, and carrying water is important to stay hydrated and reduce trash and waste at the event. Learn more about how to prepare to be in a cupless race. (Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!)

What will be provided for at the aid stations?

  • We provide runners with a wide range of foods, drinks and supplies to help them have the best race possible. Aid stations typically include water, endurance drink, soda, pickle juice, SaltStick, bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, chips, candies and more. We’ll add special items depending on the season. We will provide hot foods for cooler nighttime races with longer distances.
  • We will not provide cups at our aid stations (learn more) or gels.

How far apart are the aid stations?

  • You can check the race website for specific race information. Most aid stations are 3 to 6 miles apart. You must carry a hydration system to carry water between aid stations.

May I bring Drop bags?

  • You can check the race website for specific race information. Drop bags are always allowed at the start/finish. Other locations for drop bags will be considered for longer races (100K/100 mile) that might go into the night, and when the course does not return to the start/finish regularly.

May I have a pacer?

  • Check the specific race website or race guide for details. In most cases, pacers are only allowed for longer distances, 100 mile/100K, and only for the later part of the race. If you want to run the entire distance with someone, both of you should register for the race.

Is the race gun time or chip timed?

  • Although chips are used in the events, race times and top finisher awards are based on gun time. Chips are used to track splits, finish times and track runners on the course.

Where will race results be posted?

  • We will share the link via email and social media before the event. Friends can track your progress during the event if you are running a longer distance with splits. After the race results are finalized, they will be linked on our Ultrasignup page.

What do you award for each distance?

  • Top place finisher awards are typically presented to the top three male and female finishers and the top master male and female finishers in each distance. In cases where the distance is shorter and the number of participants is limited, we might reduce the number of awards. We do not do age group awards.

May I drop to a shorter distance mid-race?

  • No, all distance changes must be completed before you start your race.

Packet Pickup

May a friend/family member pick up my bib?

  • Yes, make sure you have had a conversation and there is no confusion about who is picking up your bib and race shirt.

May I exchange for a different shirt size than what I registered for?

  • We want you to have a shirt that you can wear. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes given during registration. Bring your clean, unworn shirt to the start/finish area after your race if you would like to exchange it for a different size. We will exchange the shirt if we have quantities in the size you’d like.

Misc. Questions

Are dogs allowed on the trails or at the start/finish?

  • We love dogs and know that many runners love to run with them. However, due to requirements outlined by our insurance company, we cannot allow dogs in the race.
  • We also know that many people bring their dogs to the start/finish. If you or your guest bring a dog, they must always be on a leash and under control. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, animals or people, you will be asked to leave.

Why are headphones/music discouraged?

  • We share the trails—other runners, bikers, horseback riders and animals. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and hear people coming up behind you. For this reason, we suggest that you either don’t wear headphones or listen to music in only one ear at a low volume. We also strongly discourage music played by a speaker while on the trail. This makes it harder to hear others on the trail and disturbs the people around you.

What is the entry fee/parking fee for your races?

  • Entry fees or parking fees vary depending on the location of the race and are set by the government entity or landowner. Even among Texas State Parks, entry and parking fees can vary. If we are required to collect fees, all are passed directly to the park or landowner.

Do you need volunteers?