14100 Low Water Crossing Rd., Austin TX
Saturday, December 26th, 2026
RUN THE LIGHT
Winter Solstice
Location: 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
- Endurance Run | Afternoon Start Window: Start any time between 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- 10K: A set-distance option with beautiful lake views throughout on smooth paved surfaces.
- 5K: Perfect for those new to trail running or wanting a shorter celebration of the light.
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.
- Reflective Experience: As the sun arcs low across the Hill Country sky, every lap becomes more intentional.
- Your Pace, Your Day: Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your day is yours to manage.
WHO THIS IS FOR
- Experienced Endurance Runners: A unique seasonal challenge without overnight running.
- First-Time Endurance Athletes: A welcoming entry point to longer efforts.
- Anyone Seeking Meaning: Celebrate the return of the light with intentional movement.
The week of the shortest day. Longest effort.
RESULTS & RECOGNITION
- Endurance Run Results: Ranked by total distance completed before sunset.
- 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.
KEY DETAILS
Permit Pending: This event is pending final permit approval. 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 Eliminations: No cutoffs or hourly starts.
- 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.
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.
- Lake Travis Views: Stunning lakeside scenery throughout the course.
- Historic Dam Views: Experience the impressive Mansfield Dam structure.
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.
