The Lost Pines 5K • 10K • 10-Mile • Half Marathon • Full Marathon • 8HR • Ruck

Your New January Tradition Starts Here

Kick off the new year on the trails. The Lost Pines Endurance Challenge is a brand-new multi-distance trail event set among the towering loblolly pines and shimmering lakeside views of Lake Bastrop. Whether you're chasing your first 5K finish, grinding through a full marathon, testing your limits over eight hours of running, or loading up the ruck and grinding it out, there's a place for you at the start line.

The course follows the scenic North-South Trailway, an out-and-back route that winds through one of Central Texas's most beautiful and resilient landscapes, the famous Lost Pines. Expect rolling terrain, packed-dirt singletrack, pine-needle-cushioned stretches, and glimpses of Lake Bastrop through the trees. It's runnable, it's gorgeous, and in January, the cool Central Texas air makes it just about perfect.

We built this race for everyone. First-timer? Welcome. Ultra veteran? Let's go. Rucker with a loaded pack? We've got your division. This is a weekend to push your limits, support each other, and celebrate what your body can do.

The Course

North-South Trailway — Out & Back

The North-South Trailway connects Lake Bastrop's South Shore and North Shore parks, curving and climbing gently through dense pine forest, past scenic lake overlooks, and across a series of bridges that span the park's creeks and inlets. The trail surface is a mix of packed dirt, sand, and rock with gentle rolling elevation changes, technical enough to feel like real trail running, forgiving enough to keep you moving.

• Terrain: Packed dirt, sand, rock, pine needles. Rolling hills. Well-marked and well-maintained.
• Scenery: Towering loblolly pines, lake views, creek crossings, quiet forest. One of Texas's most unique ecosystems.
• January: Mornings in the 40s–50s°F. Afternoons 50s–60s°F. Headlamps required after dark.

Choose Your Challenge

Something for every runner, every goal, every pace.

▲ Saturday

• 5K: TRAIL 5K
• 13.1: HALF MARATHON
• 26.2: MARATHON
• 8HR: ENDURANCE

▲ Sunday

• 10K: TRAIL 10K
• 10MI: TRAIL 10-MILER

▲ Ruck Division

• 5K: RUCK (SATURDAY)
• 10K: RUCK (SUNDAY)
• 13.1: HALF MARATHON RUCK (SATURDAY)

The Weekend

Two days in the Lost Pines. Make a weekend out of it.

MLK Weekend means a long weekend for many, perfect for making a trip out of it. Lake Bastrop South Shore Park has cabins, RV hookups, and tent camping right in the park, so you can wake up steps from the start line. Bastrop's charming downtown is just minutes away for post-race food, drinks, and exploring.

• Saturday: Race Day One - 5K, Half Marathon & Marathon, 8-Hour Endurance, 5K Ruck & Half Marathon Ruck, Full aid station support.
• Sunday: Race Day Two - 10K Trail Run, 10K Ruck, 10-Mile Trail Run, Awards ceremony, Post-race hangout.

First 5K or Fiftieth Ultra? You Belong Here

The Lost Pines Endurance Challenge was built from the ground up to be the kind of race where everyone feels at home. We want the first-timer to feel the same energy and support as the seasoned ultra runner. We want the rucker grinding under a loaded pack to get the same cheers as the 5K finisher crossing the line with a huge grin. This is a community event, and you're part of it the moment you sign up.

Ruck weight rules for the event:

• Men: 30 lbs minimum
• Women: 20 lbs minimum

A few important details regarding the weight:

• Minimum baselines: You are welcome to carry more if you want the extra challenge, but you cannot carry less.
• Weight check: Your ruck will be officially weighed and verified at check-in, and we do random spot checks throughout the event.
• Carrying method: The weight must be carried inside a standard rucksack/backpack worn on your back (weighted vests do not qualify).
• During the event: The pack must remain on your back for the entirety of the event, though you are welcome to take it off and set it down to rest during your break.

The 8-hour timed event is perfect for runners who want to set their own pace and see how far they can go. Run as many out-and-back laps as you can within your time window. Walk when you need to. Sit at the aid station for a minute. Then get back out there. Every mile counts.

Start Your Year on the Trail

MLK Weekend. Lake Bastrop South Shore. Pine trees, lake views, and the kind of challenge that reminds you what you're capable of.

We'll see you at the start line. 🌲

Event Details

Date: January 16, 2027

Location: 375 South Shore Rd, Bastrop, TX

For more information, visit: Lost Pines Endurance Challenge