Wild Azalea Trail Challenge

About the Event

Dive into the lush, unexpected wilderness of Louisiana at the Wild Azalea Trail Challenge in Kisatchie National Forest on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Celebrating its 14th year, this iconic event embraces an authentically gritty, "old school" ethos on the state's longest continuous trail, a 26-mile ribbon of beauty weaving through rolling pine hills, hardwood bottoms, and lazy creeks that defy the local flatlands stereotype. With distances ranging from a 10K to a grueling 50-mile run or mountain bike race, this is a true community gathering where the rewards are raw trail joy, legendary post-race gumbo, and shared stories, not extravagant swag. The party starts at a crisp 6:00 AM, promising a full day of Southern hospitality, pain, suffering, and unfiltered camaraderie under the Longleaf Pines. Leave your expectations for pampering at home and join a no-frills, no-whining adventure that prioritizes pure trail spirit and unbeatable value above all else. This is where Louisiana's wild heart beats loudest for those willing to listen with their feet.

Races Offered

10 km

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 10K

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Type — Cycling

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-52 days remaining

27 MTB

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 43.5K

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Type — Cycling

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27 Miler

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 43.5K

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Type — Cycling

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50 MTB

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 80.5K

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Type — Cycling

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50 Mile Run

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 80.5K

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Type — Cycling

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Half Marathon

Jan 03, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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Type — Cycling

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-52 days remaining

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Alexandria.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 5.3° / 15.2°

wb_sunny 1.8° / 12.7°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 11.8 /

water_drop 74.4%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 5.3° / 15.2°

wb_sunny 1.8° / 12.7°

air 11.8 km/h

water_drop 74.4%

About Alexandria

Learn more about the host city, Alexandria.

Alexandria is a historic city, rich in Louisiana history. Civil War historic sites along with easy access to numerous historic locations and Kisatchie National Forest sites make it a city ideal for history enthusiasts and sportsmen.