In 258 days · Sat, Jul 17, 2027
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Saturday, July 17th, 2027
2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood TX
Ultra · Marathon · 5K
76–95°F · low rain risk
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2026
73–91°F
dry
2025
72–94°F
dry
2024
76–98°F
dry
2023
79–105°F
dry
2022
78–101°F
dry
2021
75–89°F
dry
2020
76–96°F
dry
2019
77–96°F
dry
2018
72–98°F
dry
2017
73–90°F
rain
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About this race
The Fastest Summer Ultramarathon in Texas
July 17 & 18, 2027 | Pace Bend Park, Lake Travis
Scenic Hill Country Course
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Texas Hill Country as you run on smooth paved roads winding through majestic oak trees. With Lake Travis as your backdrop, this picturesque route combines natural beauty with the perfect running surface for speed and comfort.
Set your sights on a personal record at the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge. This unique event features a perfectly engineered 1.64-mile paved lollipop loop at scenic Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis, designed for speed and performance even in July.
Race Distances
52.7 Mile Race
50K
Marathon (USATF Certification code: TX25015LAB)
27K
Half-Marathon
10K
5K
12-Hour Relay
The Ultimate Night-Shift Team Challenge.
Why Choose This Race?
Fast, PR-Friendly USATF Certified Marathon Course (Boston Qualifier)
Unlike typical Texas summer ultras with brutal heat and technical trails, our smooth asphalt loop with minimal elevation gain creates ideal conditions for record-setting performances. This is a USATF-certified course: Certification code: TX25015LAB.
Evening Start Format
Race as the sun sets and July's magnificent Buck Moon rises over the limestone bluffs. Our strategic evening start times for longer distances mean cooler temperatures when you need it most.
Pacers Allowed
While we won't be providing official pacing groups for the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge due to our size, we enthusiastically welcome personal pacers for both the Marathon, 50K and 52.7 Mile Solo events. Personal pacers can join Marathon and 50K participants after 8 loops and 52.7 Mile runners after 16 loops (approximately halfway points). Each pacer must pay a $15 fee that covers park entry, administrative costs, and an official pacer bib. Pacers need to sign a waiver and wear their designated "PACER" bib while on course. Runners are responsible for arranging their own pacers, but the loop format makes it particularly convenient for your support crew to join when you need them most. We find this flexibility is especially appreciated by first-time marathoners and ultra runners who benefit from personalized support during the challenging later miles as day turns to evening.
Course Records
Marathon: Wen-Ting Hsieh (F) 3:53:33; Rick Haddad (F) 3:54:14
Pickup Information:
Saturday Packet Pickup:
Available from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Sunday Packet Pickup:
For those unable to attend on Saturday or who prefer to pick up on race day, same-day packet pickup will be available Sunday morning from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
12-Hour Overnight Relay (2-Person Teams)
Smash out alternating single loops, swap out every hour, or split the night into two massive blocks; your team controls the strategy.
The relay kicks off at 7:00 PM Saturday and ends exactly at 7:00 AM Sunday.
All transitions take place right at the main canopy timing mat next to the team layout area. You will pass off your team's timing chip to your partner to trigger the next leg.
Team Registration: The first member to sign up will create the team name and pay the full registration fee.
Teammate Invite: Once the team is created, the second member can register and join the roster. (Note: You can choose to split the cost evenly through RunSignup’s automatic split-pricing feature at checkout!)
What’s Included: Every single relay participant receives a finisher medal, custom race swag, and full access to the overnight aid hub support.
Maximum Roster: Strictly limited to 2 runners per team.Parking Limitation: To ensure we don't overflow our park lot near Kate's and Johnson Cove, relay teams are strictly limited to one (1) vehicle per team. Please plan to carpool to the venue!
Course Details
The distinctive figure-8 lollipop course winds through the breathtaking Hill Country landscape of Pace Bend Park, featuring limestone bluffs, majestic oak trees, and views of Lake Travis. The smooth asphalt surface throughout makes it perfect for both day and night running, with the main loop connecting to a smaller upper loop.
- Surface: 100% smooth, paved asphalt – ideal for consistent pacing
- Elevation: Gentle, predictable terrain
- Loop Length: 1.64 miles in a lollipop figure-8 configuration
- Scenery: Limestone bluffs, oak-covered hills, and Lake Travis views
- Aid Station: Access every 1.64 miles at the start/finish hub
- Marking: Fully marked with reflective markers for nighttime visibility
"Whether you're chasing a PR, a qualifying time, or simply want to experience the joy of running fast through a Texas summer night beneath towering oaks and limestone cliffs, the Solstice Circuit Challenge offers a rare opportunity to push your limits under optimal conditions."
Amenities
Aid Station
Fully stocked station at the start/finish hub
Restrooms
Convenient toilet vault facilities
Camping
First-come, first-served sites surrounding the course
Parking
Multiple areas for easy access
Finisher Awards
Medals or buckles (ultra runners) for finishers
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
Race from sunset to stars beneath the Buck Moon on the fastest summer ultra course in the Texas Hill Country.
Ready to prepare? Check out our comprehensive training guide designed specifically for the Solstice Circuit Challenge.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Spicewood to train with before race day.
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