Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | 24 Hour Race /Last Runner Standing | 5K Run/Walk | Kids 1K Logo

Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | 24 Hour Race /Last Runner Standing | 5K Run/Walk | Kids 1K

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16900 Cherry Ln, Lago Vista TX

Thursday, January 1st, 2026

🎉 New Year's Ultra Celebration

Ring in the New Year on the Trails of Arkansas Bend Park

50K ULTRA
25K TRAIL
HALF MARATHON
LAST RUNNER STANDING + 24 HOUR ENDURANCE CHALLENGE
5K TRAIL

Challenge yourself with crystal-clear Colorado River views and limestone bluff trails.

🏃‍♂️ A Celebration of Running

Ring in the new year with vigor and community spirit at this celebratory running event at Arkansas Bend Park! Challenge yourself with an ultramarathon or another race distance against the beautiful backdrop of the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River. This event features six race options and caters to both seasoned ultrarunners and first-timers with generous cutoff times for all distances.

🏅 50K Ultramarathon

Race Details

Join us for an exhilarating race day where you'll not only challenge your limits but also enjoy a dynamic and ever-changing course layout! The welcoming environment encourages participants of all paces and fitness levels to take on their next running challenge. Adventure awaits on these scenic sun-bleached limestone bluffs and verdant courses.

  • Distance: 31.1 miles (looped course design on trails and along the river)
  • Cutoff Time: 10 hours
  • Loop Distance: 7.183 miles
  • Elevation: 512 ft gain / 531 ft loss per loop

Need help planning your race strategy? Visit fitfoundation.org/new-year-trail-challenge for our interactive pace calculator and find the perfect pace for your New Year's Day adventure!

🌄 25K Trail Run

Race Details

For those seeking a shorter yet challenging distance, kick off your new year with an epic trail ultrarunning experience that takes you through varied natural scenery! Enjoy a 15.5-mile looped journey through the most scenic areas of Arkansas Bend Park.

  • Distance: 15.5 miles
  • Cutoff Time: 7 hours
  • Terrain: Varied natural scenery and trails
  • Note: Running/hiking poles are recommended

🏃‍♀️ Half Marathon Options

Standard Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

The looped course winds through picturesque areas, highlighting river views and gentle inclines, suitable for both new and experienced runners.

  • Distance: 13.1 miles
  • Cutoff Time: 5 hours
  • Terrain: Mix of trail and scenic riverside paths

Half Marathon Ruck Division (13.1 miles)

This division is tailored to individuals looking for a unique challenge that tests endurance, strength, and resilience, providing an alternative to traditional running.

  • Weight Requirements: 20 lbs minimum (under 150 lb participants) / 30 lbs minimum (over 150 lb participants)
  • Verification: Weights checked at start and finish
  • Cutoff Time: 5 hours
  • Course: Same scenic half-marathon route

💪 Last Runner Standing Ultra

Push your limits in this unique ultra-running event combining strategic pacing with endurance against the stunning backdrop of Lake Travis. Experience the thrill of a format that rewards both physical stamina and tactical intelligence.

Event Format

Every hour on the hour, runners tackle a scenic 4.2-mile out-and-back loop along Lake Travis. The challenge? Keep going until you can't complete the loop within the hour – or until you're the last one standing. If two or more runners complete the final lap (24th hour), the winner is determined by the fastest time on the 24th lap.

Victory Conditions

To be crowned the overall winner, you must:

  • Complete one final loop after all other runners have finished
  • Continue running past 6:30 PM to validate your victory
  • Be the fastest final runner remaining across all race distances, i.e. if more than one runner remains at the 10 hour OR 24 hour mark. The remaining runners will compete for the fastest last runner standing position.

Perfect For

  • Experienced ultra-runners seeking a new format to test their limits
  • Marathon runners ready to step up to ultra distances
  • Strategic runners who excel at pacing and mental endurance

Challenge Details

  • Loop Distance: 4.2 miles
  • Format: One loop per hour
  • Duration: 24-hour endurance challenge
  • Terrain: Gravel trails with lakeside views

Each loop brings new challenges and achievements, building toward an unforgettable day of personal accomplishment. Register now to discover what you're truly capable of, one hour at a time.

⏳ 24-Hour Endurance Challenge

Go the Distance on Your Terms

Not interested in the competitive Last Runner Standing format but still want to test your endurance? Our 24-Hour Endurance Challenge allows you to set your own pace and distance goals while enjoying the same beautiful course along Lake Travis.

Event Format

Participants follow the same 4.2-mile loop as the Last Runner Standing competitors but without the hourly time constraints. Start when you're ready and complete as many loops as possible within the 24-hour period. Take breaks when needed and run entirely on your schedule.

Perfect For:

  • Ultra runners seeking a personal distance challenge
  • Endurance athletes looking to set new personal records
  • Those who prefer a self-paced format without elimination
  • Runners transitioning from shorter ultras to longer time-based events

Challenge Details:

  • Loop Distance: 4.2 miles
  • Duration: Full 24-hour access to the course
  • Support: Full aid station access throughout the event
  • Tracking: Individual lap counting and total distance tracking

All 24-Hour Endurance Challenge participants who complete at least 50 miles receive a special achievement medal in addition to the standard finisher medal.

🌲 Trail 5K: Run or Ruck

Start Your Year on the Right Foot

Kick off your New Year with an invigorating trail run through scenic natural terrain. This 5K adventure combines the energy of a fresh start with the serenity of nature, making it the perfect way to launch your New Year's fitness journey.

Begin your year immersed in nature as you wind through wooded trails, taking in breathtaking vistas. Our well-marked 5K course features natural terrain, offering both challenge and inspiration for runners and hikers of all levels.

Option: Complete as a run or ruck (weighted backpack) - your choice!

Course Map

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