LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE

Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River

📅 September 5, 2026   |   📍 McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Bastrop TX   |   🏃 5K · 10K · Half · Marathon

Trails Miles of Trails

Terrain Single-Track & Fire Roads

Ecosystems 4 Unique Biomes

Setting Colorado River

About the Race  

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 four distances 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.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner taking on the full marathon, a veteran racer tackling the half, or a newcomer ready for your first 5K off-road, the Labor Day Trail Challenge has a distance for you. All finishers receive a custom medal.

🏁 Four Distances, One Epic Course  

🌿 5K 3.1 miles · Beginner Friendly

🏔️ 10K 6.2 miles · Intermediate

Popular 🔥 HALF MARATHON 13.1 miles · Intermediate

🏆 MARATHON 26.2 miles · Advanced

Event details and schedule

Course Highlights  

Lost Pines Forest Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars	River Overlooks Scenic views of the Colorado River from bluff-top trails
Rolling Elevation Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track	Aid Stations Water, electrolytes, and snacks
Wildlife Corridor 4 ecosystems converge, home to 250+ bird species	Custom Finisher Medal For all finishers

🎁 Race Swag  

👕 T-Shirt Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut

🏅 Finisher Medal Custom Lost Pines design

📍 Race Details  

Date	Saturday, September 5, 2026
Day	Labor Day Weekend
Start	7:00 AM
Location	McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Address	1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
Surface	Dirt / Single-Track Trail
Chip Timed	Yes
Stroller Friendly	❌ No (trail course)

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.

Address: 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

Nearby Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park. Additional hotels available in Bastrop (8 miles east).