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Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge

Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge is a trail running and running race on November 7, 2026 in Carlsbad, NM, with entry fees from $25 to $75.

Date
November 7, 2026 (107 days to go)
Price
$25–$75
Sports
Trail RunningRunning
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From the Organizer

We are so excited to be back for our second year! 

Located in the beautiful Southwestern Chihuahuan Desert, this race takes you through the canyon south of the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens on State Park and city land. Open to runners, hikers, ruckers, and walkers, you can participate in 1 of 3 challenges: 1 hour, 4 hour, or 8 hour challenge. Participants will have their selected time frame to complete as many 2-mile trail loops (out-and-back) as possible or desired. Carlsbad Roadrunners will provide support including 2 aid stations; 1 at the half-way point, and 1 at the bottom of the hill. If you have been wanting to attempt a longer distance, or even complete an ultra, this event is for you! Bring your family and friends to support you as you complete the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge. 

Note: Please continue to check our Facebook Page - Carlsbad Roadrunners, for the most current and up to date event information.

Event Location: Upper Parking lot at SENMC (32.442401, -104.266905) Carlsbad, NM 88220.
- Please use available parking at SENMC (covered parking available) overflow is open at other campus parking lots and within reasonable walking distance).
The race will be fully contained to the Ocotillo Trail. This is an approx. 2 mile (3.21 km) out and back trail with approx. 229 ft. (69.79 m) of elevation gain.

All race categories will start promptly at the designated race times listed below. Please allow plenty of time to arrive at the start line. If you are driving to the race, plan to arrive early. See parking information above. The past year had plenty of parking right at the start/finish line.

This race will have an official time start time with all categories beginning at 8 am. 
1 hour: 8:00am (completed by 9am)
4 hour: 8:00am (completed 12pm)
8 hour: 8:00am (completed by 4pm)
Relay teams will switch off as often as desired at the trailhead of the race. 

Packet pick-up and registration will only be available on the morning of beginning at 7am - 7:45am

Race Bib Number Requirements:
Each solo participant will receive a race bib number that must be worn on race day. Please DO NOT alter your race number in any way. Your bib number must be visible and worn on the front outside of all clothing during the entire race. Bib numbers are transferable by request and MUST be worn by the runner to whom it is assigned. Please reach out if a transfer is needed.


Medical staff members will be ready to assist you at any time. Radio communications personnel will be positioned at the 1 mile mark on the course.The event officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race who appears distressed or at risk. You will be directed to the medical area at the finish line if you have a health or medical problem. Note: If you cannot finish the race for any reason, please notify a race official of your bib number so medical personnel know.


This is a timed event and awards will be given to the top finisher (male, female) with the most distance covered in their respective events determined by gun time. The first place team for the 4 hour and 8 hour relay events will not be determined by gender or whether the team is co-ed, but based on total distance.
Proceeds:

The event proceeds (outside of resulting race costs) will be donated to a local Carlsbad charity.
Please note: Should severe weather that creates dangerous conditions for participants cause cancellation of the race, there will be no refunds (but proceeds are going to a good cause!)

Events

Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (1 HOUR)$25
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (4 HOUR)$45
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (4 HOUR RELAY)$55
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (8 HOUR)$65
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (8 HOUR RELAY)$75

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

71°

Typical Low

41°

Chance of Rain

11%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Carlsbad, 5 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:19 AMSunset 5:01 PMDaylight 10h 42m

Host City

About Carlsbad, NM

Population

31,813

as of 2023

City Elevation

3,212 ft

Nearest Airport

CNM

Cavern City Air Terminal · 3 mi

Major Hub

ELP

El Paso International Airport · 130 mi

Time Zone

Mountain Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

107

Days to train

Race
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge
Date
November 7, 2026

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From Endurance Grid

About These Sports

This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.

Trail Running

Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Plan your trip

Make it a Racecation

Coming from out of town? There's more to Carlsbad than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.

Plan your trip to Carlsbad
Lodging
Flights
Rental Car
Activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge?+
Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge is a trail running and running race held in Carlsbad, New Mexico on November 7, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more trail running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge?+
Saturday, November 7, 2026 in Carlsbad, New Mexico at Southeastern New Mexico College. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge?+
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge

Nov 7, 2026

Register →