Labor Day Trail Challenge 50-Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 8-Hour • Last Runner Standing

LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE

RUN FREE: RETURN OF THE BULL

The gates are open. The bull is loose. Run Free. Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River.

Event Overview

• Date: September 4, 2027
• Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek TX
• Distances: 8-Hour Relay, Half Marathon & Ruck, Marathon, 50K, 50-Mile
• Special Event: Gauntlet: Last Runner Standing

About the Race

You’ve been penned up all year. It’s time to break the fences. 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. Choose from seven events that wind through the park's rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows, and towering loblolly pine forests.

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. Expect technical single-track, scenic river overlooks, and the kind of terrain that makes every mile an adventure.

Choose Your Distance

• Half Marathon & Ruck: 13.1 Miles (Intermediate)
• Marathon: 26.2 Miles (Advanced)
• 50K or 50 Miles: Ultra Distance
• 8-Hour Run: Solo or Relay

Course Highlights

• Lost Pines Forest: Towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars.
• River Overlooks: Scenic bluff-top views of the Colorado River.
• Rolling Elevation: Up to 469 ft of gain on technical single-track.
• Wildlife Corridor: Home to 250+ bird species and diverse wildlife.

Race Swag & Awards

• Rodeo Series Buckle: For half-marathon, marathon, and 50K finishers.
• Event T-Shirt: With rodeo series branding.
• Finisher Medal: Custom design for all finishers.
• Awards: Plaque award for top male & female finishers.

Race Details

• Day: Labor Day Weekend (Saturday)
• Start Time: 7:15 AM for ultra distances: 10:00 AM for Last Runner Standing
• Location: McKinney Roughs Nature Park
• Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

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).

Additional Information

The Labor Day Trail Challenge is part of the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Each participant earns a signature series buckle and shirt upon finishing. Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the trails, this event promises a unique challenge and a chance to connect with nature.

More Info

For full details and registration, please visit the official race page: Labor Day Trail Challenge.