Bandera 50K 2026: Molly Seidel stuns with overall record while Rothlauf rules the 100 K

The second weekend of January saw the trail running world turn its eyes to the HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race. Held in the Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera, Texas, this race is one of the first big ultratrail events of the season. It features 25 km, 50 km and 100 km distances on technical terrain with about 1,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain. The 2026 edition delivered two headline stories: Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel won the 50 k overall with a course record in her trail debut, and Jared Rothlauf and Anneke Durkan dominated the 100 k. Below we recap how the race unfolded and what lessons it offers to runners contemplating their own ultratrail debut.

A demanding course in the heart of Texas

The HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race takes place in a semi-desert environment where rocky trails and low scrub demand technical skill and mental toughness. The 50 k race consists of a 25 k loop run twice, while the 100 k covers the loop four times. Hundreds of runners line up each year; in 2026 more than 340 athletes started the 100 k and 264 completed the distance in under 25 hours. While the 50 k doesn’t award automatic entry to the Western States 100 the way the 100 k does, it has become a proving ground for athletes planning bigger challenges.

Molly Seidel crushes the 50 k with an outright course record

The weekend’s biggest surprise was Molly Seidel’s victory in her ultratrail debut. The American, who took Olympic marathon bronze in Tokyo in 2021, completed the course in 4 hours 9 minutes, lowering the women’s record by more than 15 minutes and finishing ahead of every man. Behind her were France’s Benjamin Melisi (4:15:49) and Collin Bohne (4:38:59).

Seidel told iRunFar that she turned toward the trails to prioritise longevity and rediscover her love of running after injuries and mental fatigue. Her win at Bandera was a tune‑up for February’s Black Canyon 100 K, where coveted Golden Tickets provide entry to the legendary Western States 100. The Texas performance shows how quickly her road strength translates to technical terrain and sets the stage for her trail ambitions.

Top 3 – 50 k

• Molly Seidel – 4:09:00 (new overall course record)
• Benjamin Melisi – 4:15:49
• Collin Bohne – 4:38:59

In the women’s classification, Americans Courtney Rouse (4:36:12) and Mira Rai (4:46:20) rounded out the podium.

Rothlauf and Durkan reign over 100 k

While Seidel grabbed the headlines in the 50 k, the 100 k produced its own drama. American Jared Rothlauf led from the start and won in 8:54:58, more than an hour ahead of his nearest rival. China’s Meng Zhao finished second in 9:59:57, and American Ethan Schipp was third in 10:03:02.

On the women’s side, Anneke Durkan claimed victory in 11:08:14 and cracked the overall top ten. Elyse Habenicht (11:38:41) and Mallory Meredith (11:48:51) completed the podium. These results reinforce Bandera’s reputation as a course that rewards patience and mental grit.

Top 3 – 100 k

• Men: Jared Rothlauf (8:54:58), Meng Zhao (9:59:57), Ethan Schipp (10:03:02).
• Women: Anneke Durkan (11:08:14), Elyse Habenicht (11:38:41), Mallory Meredith (11:48:51).

Why Bandera matters on the road to Western States

The HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race is part of the qualifying series for the Western States 100, the sport’s most prestigious ultramarathon. Winning or placing highly in the 100 k earns a Golden Ticket and a guaranteed slot in California. As a result, many athletes use Bandera as a dress rehearsal before targeting qualification at events such as the Black Canyon 100 K. Although the 50 k doesn’t directly confer entry, Seidel’s performance shows that mastering the shorter distance can provide valuable preparation for longer races.

Tips for tackling an ultratrail

If you feel inspired by the Bandera stories and want to prepare for your own ultratrail, consider the following advice:

• Train on technical terrain: the Bandera 50 k includes rocky sections and roots. Practising on similar trails improves balance and reduces the risk of falls.
• Manage your pace: over long distances it’s vital to keep a steady rhythm. Use perceived effort or a GPS watch to monitor your intensity.
• Fuel and hydrate: plan your carbohydrate and fluid intake. In races longer than four hours, consuming gels or solid food every 30–45 minutes is essential.
• Strength work: include strength and mobility exercises to build muscular endurance and prevent injuries.
• Plan with technology: apps like SnapRace allow you to log training, analyse elevation gain and share routes with fellow runners. Using objective data helps fine‑tune your workload and stay motivated.

Closing thoughts

The 2026 HOKA Bandera Endurance Trail Race showed that ultratrail running continues to evolve. Road runners like Molly Seidel can adapt their talent and set new milestones, while ultradistance specialists such as Jared Rothlauf and Anneke Durkan keep raising the bar. Whether you dream of running in Texas or simply enjoy following these stories, remember that every journey begins with a single step. And if you’re planning your next adventure, check out our blog for articles on feats like Caitriona Jennings’s 100 mile world record and training tips for ultramarathons. See you on the trails!