In 76 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
Return of the Bull
Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River.
Date: September 5, 2026
Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek, TX
Distances: 5K · 10K · CARPE DIEM 1-HOUR · HALF MARATHON · 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.
- Ecosystems: Traverse through four distinct ecosystems: Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a lush riparian corridor, all in a single race.
- Swag: All half-marathon and marathon finishers receive a custom rodeo-style belt buckle and event shirt, the signature swag of the series.
- Distance Options: 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.
Choose Your Distance
- 5K: 3.1 Miles - Beginner Friendly
- 10K: 6.2 Miles - Intermediate
- Half Marathon: 13.1 Miles - Intermediate
- Marathon: 26.2 Miles - Advanced
Carpe Diem Trail Challenge
How far can you go in one hour? The Carpe Diem challenge is a timed effort — run as many miles as you can in 60 minutes on the same single-track course. No set distance. No pressure. Just you, the trail, and the clock.
Note: Early bird pricing ends April 1. Prices increase $10 after that date.
Course Highlights
- Lost Pines Forest: Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars, an isolated pocket of East Texas ecology.
- River Overlooks: Scenic bluff-top views of the Colorado River from the Ridge and Bluff Overlook trails.
- Rolling Elevation: Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track through box canyons and ridgelines.
- Wildlife Corridor: Four ecosystems converge here, home to 250+ bird species and diverse Central Texas wildlife.
Race Swag & Awards
- Rodeo Series Buckle: Custom belt buckle for every half-marathon and marathon finisher.
- Event T-Shirt: Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut with rodeo series branding.
- Finisher Medal: Custom Lost Pines design for all finishers.
- Awards: Cowboy hat award for top male & female finisher in each distance event.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Day: Labor Day Weekend
- Start Time: 7:00 AM (Carpe Diem starts 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: 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.
Nearby Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park. Additional hotels available in Bastrop (8 miles east). Make a weekend of it, race Saturday, relax Sunday and Monday.
Course map
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