Austin's Rodeo Half Marathon, Marathon and Rodeo Backyard Ultra

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From Fit Foundation

  • Date Sat 14th March 2026
  • Time 9:00AM CDT
  • Location Spicewood, Texas
  • Price $85.79 - $106.99
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra

Event summary

Get ready to saddle up for an unforgettable experience at Austin's Rodeo Half Marathon, Marathon, and Rodeo Backyard Ultra, hosted by the Fit Foundation on Saturday, March 14, 2026! Set in the stunning Spicewood area of Burnet, this event promises to be a true celebration of grit and determination against the backdrop of the iconic Texas Hill Country. Runners can choose between the exhilarating half marathon (13.1 miles) and the full marathon (26.2 miles), both of which feature rugged trails, scenic views, and fully stocked aid stations to keep you fueled and focused.

But that’s not allβ€”join in on the thrilling Rodeo Backyard Ultra, where participants tackle a challenging 4.167-mile loop every hour, testing their endurance and heart until only one cowboy or cowgirl remains. With a field capped at just 150 runners for the main events and an intimate group for the Backyard Ultra, this event is designed for those who crave a true test of their limits. Plus, every finisher will earn a custom rodeo-style buckle that celebrates their achievement. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to combine the spirit of the rodeo with the thrill of trail runningβ€”register now before the spots fill up!

Organiser's Description

AUSTIN'S RODEO HALF-MARATHON, MARATHON AND RODEO BACKYARD ULTRA

_SADDLE UP. RUN HARD. RUN THE TRAILS. _

_EARN THE BUCKLE. BE PART OF SOMETHING GRITTY AND REAL._

RACE WEEKEND: March 14, 2026

Field capped at 150 runners

Prices increase as spots fill.

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TWO RODEOS. ONE CITY. ENDLESS GRIT.

Come March 2026, while Austin celebrates cowboys, concerts, and competition at RODEO AUSTIN, a different kind of rodeo will unfold on the trails.

Welcome to AUSTINS RODEO TRAIL RUN, where effort matters, the terrain tests you, and every finisher earns a custom rodeo-style buckle.



THE MAIN EVENT: THE RODEO HALF-MARATHON & MARATHON

This is a no-frills, honest trail half-marathon and marathon on classic Texas Hill Country terrain. Rolling dirt roads, rugged footing, wide skies, and a course that rewards steady grit over hype.

Whether youre racing hard or running strong, this is a course that feels earned.

Half Marathon and Marathon Details:

* Distance: Half marathon, 13.1 miles, and full marathon, 26.2 miles (trail)
* Start Time: 8:30 AM
* Fully stocked aid stations
* Finisher recognition for every runner
* Custom participant shirt
* Rodeo-inspired atmosphere (without the chaos)

Field is capped. Prices increase soon.

REGISTERED RUNNERS FOR AUSTINS RODEO HALF MARATHON (MARCH 14) RECEIVE A FREE, TRAIL-SPECIFIC 12-WEEK TRAINING PLAN, BUILT FOR HILL COUNTRY TERRAIN.



BONUS EVENT: RODEO BACKYARD ULTRA (LIMITED FIELD)

AT THE RODEO BACKYARD ULTRA, the 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop is the BULL, and every hour, runners have to RIDE THAT BULL again by completing the loop before the hour ends. When the next hour begins, the bull comes charging back out and the runner has to saddle up once more.

This is a small, gritty, invitational-style Backyard Ultra capped at 20-25 runners. If the field doesnt fill, the event will convert to a timed endurance format.

Just like in the arena, this race tests ENDURANCE, GRIT, AND HEART, seeing how long you can "stay on."
The event keeps going until there's only one runner left: the LAST ONE STANDING.

[Rodeo Backyard Ultra]

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HOW IT WORKS



* Each hour, runners start a 4.167-mile loop (_"the bull"_).



* Finish within the hour to stay in the race.



* Any leftover time is your rest, until the bell rings again.



* Miss the cutoff, and you're "bucked from the bull."



* The race continues until only one cowboy or cowgirl remains standing.



* _RUNNERS BUCKLE AWARDED FOR COMPLETING 3 LOOPS (13+ MILES)_

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COURSE & EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

THE CHUTE _(STARTING CORRAL)_

Each hour begins in the "chute," where runners line up like rodeo riders waiting for the next bull. When the cowbell rings, it's time to ride.

THE ROPER'S TURNAROUND

At the halfway point, runners must LASSO A POST before returning, symbolizing "roping the bull."
This ritual, called THE CATCH, keeps the cowboy spirit alive with every loop.

To verify, each runner moves their TOKEN (washer, chip, or bracelet) on a pegboard when they rope successfully, a simple, reliable self-check system.

THE WATERING HOLE _(AID STATION)_

Recharge at the CHUCKWAGON with hydration, fuel, and friendly faces before the next ride.

THE ARENA _(FINISH AREA)_

When you finish a loop, RING THE COWBELL to announce your successful ride.
The echo of cowbells fills camp, a sound that says another bull's been tamed.
[Rodeo Backyard Ultra]
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AWARDS & SWAG

* Winners Buckle: Last One Standing
* Finisher Buckle: Austins Rodeo Trail Run
* Finisher Tokens: Thrown from the Bull
* Participant Shirts: I Rode the Bull at the Rodeo Trail Run

_ _

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STAR READY TO RIDE? STAR
_Join us for Austin's most unique trail half-marathon, marathon and backyard ultra experience!_

_This event is independently organized and not affiliated with Rodeo Austin._

Races

  • Austin's Rodeo Half-Marathon

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $85.79

  • Marathon

    Incl. $6.40 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $96.39

  • Rodeo Backyard Ultra

    Incl. $7.00 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $106.99

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Location

640 CR 412,, Spicewood, 78669, TX, United States

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Mar 14, 2026

$85.79 - $106.99