Full Moon brings good luck for all runners larger photo

Camping at Big Bend. larger photo

Dawn breaks over Sierra del carmens larger photo

You might see the moon rise in the morning. larger photo

Tent camping is one option for runners at the 2nd annual BB50. Morning temps range from high 20's to 30's and daily highs from the mid 50's to mid 60's larger photo

Sleep in a tent or under the stars. No fire ants, and cold enough to be comfortable. larger photo

25K (15.5 miles)course. midway is approx at Glenn Springs where the 50K runners make their turn on to Black Gap road. aid stations will be at approx 5 miles intervals. note that the 25K course will be 15.5 miles + 500yds. larger photo

Sunrise at the runners backs from the start line. Turn around and take a look. larger photo

Look back over your left shoulder (East) at 2.5 miles as you crest the high point in the race (3400') to see the sunrise over the Sierra del Carmens in Mexico. larger photo

New course for 2006 traverses the Glenn Springs rd. seen here approaching the Glenn Springs draw canyon, and the springs. Chisos Mtns in the background. larger photo

early section of the both courses shows the out and back turn up Juniper canyon road out 1.05 miles and back 1.05 miles for a total out and back of 2.1 miles. also the canyon at GS, shown also is the turn at Glenn Springs onto Black Gap road for 50K only larger photo

View looking back up course from Strake Canyon at mile 7 on 25K, and mile 9 of the 50K course larger photo

Glenn Springs canyon, also refered to a Strake canyon larger photo

Glenn Springs draw has carved a spectacular canyon that leads down to the springs and the 8.5 mile marker. larger photo

Glenn Springs canyon as it emerges into the springs in thne foreground, mile 8.5 of the 25K and mile 10.5 of the 50K also a main aid station and turn of to Black Gap road. larger photo

Jim Glasscock emerging from the Springs. there's water down there somewhere. larger photo

Glenn Springs aid station mile 8.5 (25K) and mile 10.5 (50K).this the turn off to Black Gap rd. for the 50K runners. Pay no attention to the pink duffle bag on the cargo rack. larger photo

Glenn Springs campground #1 is huge,and used by volunteers and HAM radio operators from San Antonio, and the Big Bend clubs. larger photo

2nd half of the 25K course. this portion runs along a canyon with the dropoff presenting a spectacular view of a major drainage area when the torrents of late summer rains come down. you will be able to see runners in front and back larger photo

25K course overview larger photo

50K course overview larger photo

25K course elevation profile. course starts at 3200' goes to 3400' at mile 2.5 then drops to 1900' at the finish larger photo

25K and 50K courses will start at 3200' and the high point is at the 2.5 miles point at 3400' the it's downhill to a 1975' finish larger photo

50K course. at approx mile 7 50K runners only will take an out and back up Juniper Canyon road for 2.1 miles then back on Glenn Springs road to Glenn Springs and the turn onto Black Gap road. Both course will have a common start and common finish. larger photo

The 50K race starts at 3200' and ends up at 1975' ft. The early peak is the 2.5 mile mark and is at 3400 ft. larger photo

Low point for both courses is at the finish line approx 1975' this gives both course a 1400' drop from the 2.5 mile point to the finish line. larger photo

middle section of 25K course showing the Glenn Springs turn off to Black Gap road, and the Strake canyon entry. larger photo

2nd half of the 50K course. all runners will pass thru the Black Gap at mile 14.5. proper placement of aid stations require us to make last aid before the finish 6 miles apart. prepare to carry fluids. use aid stations wisely and refill bottles. larger photo

50K runners take a right turn off Glenn Springs rd and head west down Black Gap rd larger photo

Black Gap rd looking west. 50K runners will head toward Elephant Tusk, which is the highest peak in view. larger photo

Black Gap itself hasn't been seen by many visitors to the park. It's a 4x4 only road. 50K's will pass thru on their bipedal limbs. larger photo

exiting Black Gap larger photo

Elephant Tusk campground trail at mile 16.4 on the 50K course. larger photo

close up view of Elephant Tusk peak. elev above 5000' larger photo

50K runners exit Black Gap rd and make left turn East down river Road at mile 19.3 aid station larger photo

FINISH LINE where Glenn Springs rd connects with River Road at mile 15.5 of the 25K, and mile 31 of the 50K. larger photo

Last year we saw a few early blooming Big Bend blue bonnets on River Road, Don't step on them, they are too beautiful. larger photo

the 9.9 mile (30min) shuttle from the finish line to RGV for FOOD, FUN, AWARDS, AND DOOR PRIZES. Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, and Hot Bread. Vans will take happy runners in comfort to the post race activities. larger photo