In 84 days · Sat, Sep 5, 2026
When
Saturday, September 5th, 2026
Where
1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek TX
Distances
5K · 10K · Half · Marathon
About this race
Labor Day Trail Challenge
Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River
Date: September 5, 2026 | Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Bastrop TX | Distances: 5K · 10K · Half · Marathon
About the Race
- Experience: Kick off your Labor Day weekend with an unforgettable trail running experience at McKinney Roughs Nature Park, a stunning 1,140-acre preserve just 13 miles east of Austin along the Colorado River.
- Scenery: Choose from four distances that wind through the park's rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows, and towering loblolly pine forests.
- Ecosystems: This is Central Texas trail running at its finest. You'll traverse four distinct ecosystems: Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a lush riparian corridor, all in a single race.
- Finisher Medal: Whether you're a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner taking on the full marathon, a veteran racer tackling the half, or a newcomer ready for your first 5K off-road, the Labor Day Trail Challenge has a distance for you. All finishers receive a custom medal.
Four Distances, Carpe Diem Trail Challenge, One Epic Course
- 5K: 3.1 miles · Beginner Friendly
- 10K: 6.2 miles · Intermediate
- Half Marathon: 13.1 miles · Intermediate
- Marathon: 26.2 miles · Advanced
⚠️ Early bird pricing ends April 1, 2026 — prices increase $10 after that date
Course Highlights
- Lost Pines Forest: Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars.
- River Overlooks: Scenic views of the Colorado River from bluff-top trails.
- Rolling Elevation: Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track.
- Wildlife Corridor: 4 ecosystems converge, home to 250+ bird species.
Race Swag
- T-Shirt: Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut.
- Finisher Medal: Custom Lost Pines design.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Day: Labor Day Weekend
- Start: 7:00 AM (Carpe Diem Trail Challenge Runners start 6:30 AM)
- Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park
- Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
- Surface: Dirt / Single-Track Trail
- Chip Timed: Yes
- Stroller Friendly: ❌ No (trail course)
Getting There
- Location: Located on Hwy 71 just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Look for the distinctive rock wall entrance with windmill on the south side of the highway. Free parking available in the main lot with additional overflow parking.
- Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
- Nearby Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park. Additional hotels available in Bastrop (8 miles east).
LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE 2026
McKinney Roughs Nature Park · Bastrop, TX · September 5, 2026
Sponsor Opportunities Available
Course map
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