Cat Spring, Texas

Since 2015 runners have tested themselves against the hot Texas August heat on the sandy trails at the 7IL ranch. This year, however, may be the hottest Habanero 100 race ever. With Texas sweltering under 100+ degree temps daily for weeks on end, local runners have been acclimating themselves to the heat and practicing their hydration strategies to survive the brutal conditions that await them.

Habanero 100 is aptly named. August is always hot in Texas, but past races have been in the mid to upper 90s for most of the day. This year it will definitely be hotter. Weather Bug app says a high of 103 for Saturday and 102 for Sunday, and no rain in sight. The race starts at noon on Saturday and lasts for 30 hours with runners going all night.

Not all runners run 100 miles. The options start at 10k and go up by 10k increments. Relay options are also available. I completed the 50k distance myself in the 2019 Habanero race. It was brutal. The course records for the 100 miler are held by Art Hurtado(37)18:57:16 and Julie Kheyfets(32)21:07:15. The 100 mile winners receive belt buckles or medals for the distances less than 100 miles.

The race draws runners runners from all over the country who want to challenge themselves or use the race as a training course for other extreme races. The race organizers provide full disclosure for the possibilities of heat illness and instructions on proper hydration, but every year there are many who become overheated and drop out of the race. I wish all the runners a safe and successful race!