14100 Low Water Crossing Rd., Austin TX
Saturday, December 26th, 2026
RUN THE LIGHT
Winter Solstice
MANSFIELD DAM • JESSICA HOLLIS PARK • LAKE TRAVIS • AUSTIN, TEXAS
The day after Christmas. Celebrate the return of the light.
A Daylight Endurance Challenge in the Texas Hill Country
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
📅
Date
December 26, 2026
Saturday
🌅
Format
Sunrise to Sunset
Endurance Run, 10K, 5K
⏰
Event Window
7:30 AM – Sunset
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
Run the Light is a lap-based event on a scenic out and back path along Lake Travis. Burn off the Christmas feast with movement, fresh air, and the Hill Country sky. Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your effort is yours to manage.
🌅 Endurance Run | Morning Start Window
Start any time between 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Run as many laps as you choose before sunset. Ideal for runners targeting 4–8 hours of movement. Maximum time on the course before the light fades.
🌇 Endurance Run | Afternoon Start Window
Start any time between 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A focused effort as the day winds down. Ideal for runners targeting 1–4 hours of movement. Feel the urgency as the sun lowers toward the horizon.
10K 1:00 PM START
A set-distance option with the same solstice spirit. Features beautiful lake views throughout on smooth paved surfaces. Run or ruck option available.
5K 2:00 PM START
Perfect for those new to trail running or wanting a shorter celebration of the light. Ideal for PR attempts and first-time racers.
Participant numbers are capped to meet City of Austin requirements.
WHY RUN THE LIGHT?
The day after Christmas. The days are shortest. The light is returning. Burn off the feast. Celebrate the season.
🌞
Challenge the Daylight
No cutoffs, no eliminations, no overnight miles. Just you, the trail, and the low winter sun. When the light is gone, the day and the run end together.
🧠
Reflective Experience
The day after Christmas at the lake. As the sun arcs low across the Hill Country sky, every lap becomes more intentional. A peaceful way to close out the holiday.
🏃
Your Pace, Your Day
Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your day is yours to manage. Whether you're chasing maximum distance or simply want to spend a full day outdoors in motion, Run the Light meets you where you are.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Experienced Endurance Runners
A unique seasonal challenge without overnight running. Test your endurance against the natural constraint of available sunlight.
First-Time Endurance Athletes
No pressure of cutoffs or eliminations. Run as much or as little as the light allows. A welcoming entry point to longer efforts.
Anyone Seeking Meaning
Start a new holiday tradition. Celebrate the return of the light with intentional movement the day after Christmas.
The week of the shortest day. Longest effort.
RESULTS & RECOGNITION
Endurance Run Results
Ranked by total distance completed before sunset. Chip timing available for those interested in tracking their times. Awards for most laps completed, furthest distance (male/female), and final lap finisher at sunset. Special "Run the Light" Solstice recognition for all participants.
5K & 10K Results
Timed results by age group. All participants receive official results.
Custom Challenge Coin
Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. This coin is part of the Race Austin Series: Collector's Challenge, which allows you to exchange three copper/bronze coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.
KEY DETAILS
Permit Pending: This event is pending final permit approval from LCRA. In the unlikely event that the permit is not approved, all registered participants will receive a full refund or the option to defer to a future Mansfield Dam race.
🌅
Daylight Hours Only
No night running. No headlamps required. All running must conclude by sunset.
✅
No Eliminations
No cutoffs or hourly starts. Participants may stop at any time; all distances count.
🥤
Aid Station
Aid station is available at the loop hub throughout the event.
📋
Lap Rules
Laps must be completed before sunset to count toward your total. Start times are self-selected within your chosen window.
ENJOY ALL MANSFIELD DAM AT JESSICA HOLLIS PARK HAS TO OFFER
Your registration includes full access to all park amenities - make it a full day of outdoor enjoyment!
🥾
Hiking Trails
Explore additional paths beyond the race at the Overlook Park route for an extended outdoor adventure
🌊
Lake Travis Views
Stunning lakeside scenery throughout the course. The perfect backdrop for your day-after-Christmas run.
🏗️
Historic Dam Views
Experience the impressive Mansfield Dam structure and panoramic views of Lake Travis and the Hill Country
Start a new tradition. Run the day after Christmas. Celebrate the light.
Run the Light – Winter Solstice is a daylight endurance challenge, not a timed race. By registering, you acknowledge that all running must occur between sunrise and sunset, and that no credit will be given for laps started after the sun sets.
Course Map
Suggested Races
Find The Run Newsletter