INAUGURAL EVENT . 2026

LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE

RETURN OF THE BULL

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

September 5, 2026 | McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek TX
5K . 10K . CARPE DIEM 1-HOUR . HALF MARATHON . MARATHON


TRAILS
Single-Track & Fire Roads

ECOSYSTEMS
4 Unique Biomes

SETTING
Colorado River

ABOUT THE RACE

THE RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES RIDES AGAIN

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 five 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.

RETURN OF THE BULL marks the second chapter of the Rodeo Trail Run Series, following the inaugural Austin's Rodeo Trail Run at Grelle Recreation Area. All half-marathon and marathon finishers receive a custom rodeo-style belt buckle and event shirt, the signature swag of the series.

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.

CHOOSE YOUR DISTANCE

FIVE EVENTS . 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

STOPWATCH CARPE DIEM TRAIL CHALLENGE

How far can you go in one hour? The Carpe Diem challenge is a timed effort run as many miles as you can in 60 minutes on the same single-track course. No set distance. No pressure. Just you, the trail, and the clock.

STARTS 6:30 AM . 1 HOUR
warning Early bird pricing ends April 1. Prices increase $10 after that date

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT AWAITS YOU ON THE TRAIL

LOST PINES FOREST Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars, an isolated pocket of East Texas ecology

RIVER OVERLOOKS Scenic bluff-top views of the Colorado River from the Ridge and Bluff Overlook trails



ROLLING ELEVATION Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track through box canyons and ridgelines

AID STATIONS Fully stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, and encouragement



WILDLIFE CORRIDOR Four ecosystems converge here, home to 250+ bird species and diverse Central Texas wildlife

RODEO SERIES BUCKLE Every half marathon and marathon finisher earns a custom rodeo-style belt buckle from the Rodeo Trail Run Series

RACE SWAG & AWARDS

WHAT EVERY FINISHER TAKES HOME

TRAIL RUN RODEO SERIES
Rodeo Series Buckle
Custom belt buckle, signature of the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Every half-marathon and marathon finisher.

Event T-Shirt
Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut with rodeo series branding
LOST PINES
Finisher Medal
Custom Lost Pines design for all finishers

AWARDS

FOR THOSE WHO RIDE THE HARDEST

OVERALL WINNERS

Cowboy hat award for top male & female finisher in each distance event


FINISHER RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES 2026

ALL FINISHERS

Every half-marathon and marathon runner who crosses the finish line within cutoff earns a Rodeo Trail Run Series buckle



RACE DETAILS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Date
Saturday, September 5, 2026

Day
Labor Day Weekend

Start Time
7:00 AM (Carpe Diem starts 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
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.

NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park. Additional hotels available in Bastrop (8 miles east). Make a weekend of it, race Saturday, relax Sunday and Monday.

RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES

The Labor Day Trail Challenge is the second event in the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Ran the Austin Rodeo Trail Run at Grelle in March? You're a series veteran. New to the rodeo? Welcome to the herd. Either way, you'll earn one of the two signature series buckles and shirt when you cross the finish line.

LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE 2026
McKinney Roughs Nature Park . Cedar Creek, TX . September 5, 2026
Sponsor Opportunities Available