Photos: 2015 Brazos Bend 100

Gear We Love: December 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Release...

Photos: 2015 Brazos Bend 100

A race known for having alligators strewn out along the course, the Brazos Bend 100 got a little bit of a break this year—cold temperatures mostly kept the alligators in nearby waters (though runners reported seeing alligator eyes reflecting off their headlamp lights at night).

Regardless, the race was a hit once again—one of the flattest ultramarathons out there, consisting of running a 16.75-mile loop six times with only one small hill to speak of. The race, around the marshlands at Brazos Bend State Park outside of Houston, Texas, challenged runners with a strong storm that blew in and created rainy, muddy and windy conditions. The winners were Anthony Jacobs (15:41:19) and Maggie Guteri (17:21:14). There was also a 50-miler, a marathon and a half marathon.

All photos by Myke Hermsmeyer. See more of his work on his website or follow him on Instagram.

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Watch out for alligators. The race is held around the marshlands of Brazos Bend State Park outside of Houston, Texas. The fast course consists of 6x16.75 mile loops and is 99.9% flat with only one place where the hill is 10 feet.

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How the Grinch stole the lead. PRs are easy after your heart has grown three sizes.

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A line in the trees marks the high point of a flood in Brazos Bend State Park earlier this year.

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On warm weather days numerous alligators can been found within feet of the race course. Due to cold weather conditions few emerged from the water but they can be seen easily at night from their eyes reflecting from racer headlamps.

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Santa warming up for Christmas with the Brazos Bend half marathon fueled on candy canes.

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The fast trail course is 99.9% flat with one only one section where the hill is 10 feet.

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In many areas the course is entirely surrounded by alligator-occupied swamps.

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Representing team RWB.

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1st place female and 4th overall in the 100 mile race Maggie Guterl finished in 17:21.

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Pushing through the Brazos Bend 50.

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An alligator floating in 40 Acre Lake.

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The course is flat. Real flat.

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One of the locals checking out the race.

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View down on the flat Brazos Bend course.

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Running around 40 Acre Lake.

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On sunny days alligators can be found sunning all around Brazos Park within feet of the race course.

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Tarahumara runner Miguel Lara lead the Brazos Bend 100 through 50 miles but dropped at 66 due to physical issues caused by the humidity.

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Team TROT (Trail Racing Over Texas) runners Matt Zmolek and Patrick Sweeney, who recently ran from racing the Chicago Marathon to racing the New York City Marathon.

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