Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 22, 2026 Participant: Eduardo Garza #316 Race: 2026 Habanero 50K Distance: 31.0 miles

Age-Group Champion Grinds Through Texas Heat for Division Win Eduardo Garza claimed the M30-39 age-group title at the 2026 Habanero Hundred 50K, finishing in 6:14:36 out of 71 participants good for 5th overall and 4th among all men. Held on TROT's signature 10km loop course at the 7IL Ranch, the 50K distance required five laps in conditions the race is famous for: high-noon start temperatures, deep sand, and real-feel readings well above 100 degrees. Garza's race showed a clear pacing arc across the 30-plus mile effort. He opened briskly, clicking off the first five miles at a 10:01-10:02/mile pace and sitting 8th overall. As the loops accumulated and heat took hold, his pace settled into the 11:30-12:30/mile range through miles 12-19, with position fluctuating between 5th and 10th overall during this stretch a normal ebb given the field's shifting strategies on a multi-lap course. A notable surge came at mile 24, where a 10:49 split vaulted him into the M30-39 division lead, a position he held for the remainder of the race. The closing miles told the more challenging story: after reaching a race-best 3rd place overall around miles 27-28 with sub-11:15 splits, Garza's pace dropped off substantially over the final two miles 15:03 and 16:40/mile as fatigue and cumulative heat exposure caught up, settling him into his final 5th overall placing. For future efforts on similarly punishing courses, building in a more conservative early pace or targeted recovery segments mid-race could help preserve strength for the closing loops, where this race is often decided. Still, the division win reflects strong, consistent positioning through the heart of the race.