Monkey Butt Mayhem

The Monkey Butt Mayhem is a specialized timed vertical challenge scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Juniper Point Trailhead in Gordonville, Texas. Centered on the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail, the event focuses on a single daunting feature: Monkey Butt Hill, a steep incline that gains 100 feet in just 0.1 miles. Participants compete in either a 3-hour or 6-hour format, completing as many 1/3-mile loops as possible. The course is designed to be run counter-clockwise, ensuring that athletes only tackle the technical, boulder-strewn hill on the ascent while enjoying a more gradual, less technical descent back to the start/finish area.

Gordonville is an unincorporated community in Grayson County, Texas, situated on the southern shores of Lake Texoma. The demographic profile of Grayson County is approximately 75.8% White (non-Hispanic), 14.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 1.2% Indigenous (primarily Choctaw and Cherokee heritage). The median annual household income for the county is approximately $63,000. Geographically, the area features the Cross Timbers ecosystem, a transition zone where eastern forests meet the western prairies, characterized by sandy soil and ancient, weather-beaten oaks. In late April, Gordonville typically sees average highs of 24°C (76°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). Humidity from the adjacent lake can influence perceived effort, making the short, steep repeats on Monkey Butt Hill feel significantly more taxing as the day progresses.

The race is capped at a strictly limited capacity of only 60 participants, ensuring an intimate trail community atmosphere. Every entrant receives a custom BOCO Gear trucker hat, which can be decorated with commemorative patches earned for reaching specific vertical gain milestones. Because the loop is so short, families and crew can set up just 100 feet from the water's edge and see their runners every few minutes. Organized by The Active Joe, the event emphasizes a festive environment with opportunities to test gear and nutrition in a controlled, high-repetition setting. Registration remains open until April 23, 2026, or until the small entry limit is reached.