Labor Day Trail Challenge 5K · 10K · Half · Marathon · Carpe Diem One Hour.
- Date Sat 5th September 2026
- Time 6:30AM CDT
- Location Cedar Creek, Texas
- Price $32.79 - $85.79
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km, 10km, Half Marathon, Marathon
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Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the inaugural Labor Day Trail Challenge on September 5, 2026, held in the stunning McKinney Roughs Nature Park in Cedar Creek, Bastrop, Texas! This exciting event invites participants of all skill levels to conquer the beautiful Lost Pines region with four race distances: a beginner-friendly 5K, an intermediate 10K, a half marathon for the seasoned runners, and a challenging marathon for the most ambitious athletes.
Experience the thrill of traversing diverse ecosystems, including lush riparian corridors and towering loblolly pine forests, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Colorado River. With up to 469 feet of rolling elevation gain and technical single-track trails, every mile promises a unique adventure. All finishers will take home a custom medal, making this event not just a race but a memorable experience. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable day of trail running and outdoor celebration!
Experience the thrill of traversing diverse ecosystems, including lush riparian corridors and towering loblolly pine forests, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Colorado River. With up to 469 feet of rolling elevation gain and technical single-track trails, every mile promises a unique adventure. All finishers will take home a custom medal, making this event not just a race but a memorable experience. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable day of trail running and outdoor celebration!
Organiser's Description
Inaugural Event . 2026
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, CARPE DIEM TRAIL CHALLENGE, 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
warning Early bird pricing ends April 1, 2026 prices increase $10 after that date
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 (Carpe Diem Trail Challenge Runners start 6:30 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
cross mark 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).
LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE 2026
McKinney Roughs Nature Park . Bastrop, TX . September 5, 2026
Sponsor Opportunities Available
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, CARPE DIEM TRAIL CHALLENGE, 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
warning Early bird pricing ends April 1, 2026 prices increase $10 after that date
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 (Carpe Diem Trail Challenge Runners start 6:30 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
cross mark 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).
LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE 2026
McKinney Roughs Nature Park . Bastrop, TX . September 5, 2026
Sponsor Opportunities Available
Races
-
5k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$32.79
-
10k
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$43.39
-
1/2 Marathon
Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$64.59
-
Marathon
Incl. $5.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$85.79
-
Carpe Diem One-Hour Endurance
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sat 5th September 2026 (6:30AM CDT)
$43.39
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Location
1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, 78612, TX, United States
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Labor Day Trail Challenge 5K · 10K · Half · Marathon · Carpe Diem One Hour.
