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
Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
Events: 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.
- Location: A stunning 1,140-acre preserve just 13 miles east of Austin along the Colorado River.
- Terrain: Choose from five events winding through rolling box canyons and towering loblolly pine forests.
- Recognition: All half-marathon and marathon finishers receive a custom rodeo-style belt buckle and event shirt.
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.
Course Highlights
- Lost Pines Forest: Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars.
- River Overlooks: Scenic bluff-top views of the Colorado River.
- Rolling Elevation: Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track.
- Wildlife Corridor: Home to 250+ bird species and diverse Central Texas wildlife.
Race Swag & Awards
- Rodeo Series Buckle: Custom belt buckle for half-marathon and marathon finishers.
- 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 finishers in each event.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park
- Surface: Dirt / Single-Track Trail
- Chip Timed: Yes
Getting There
Located on Hwy 71 just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Free parking available.
Nearby Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park.
Rodeo Trail Run Series
The Labor Day Trail Challenge is the second event in the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Welcome to the herd!
Website
For more information and registration, please visit the official race link: Labor Day Trail Challenge.