Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50 Miler | 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | 5K/10K | Kids 1K

Fit Foundation logo

From Fit Foundation

  • Date Thu 1st January 2026
  • Time 8:00AM CST
  • Location Lago Vista, Texas
  • Price $11.60 - $117.59
  • Races 10 races
  • Distances Ultra, Half Marathon, 5km, 1km, 10km

Event summary

Get ready to kick off 2026 with a bang at the Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge, hosted by Fit Foundation! This exciting event takes place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the stunning Arkansas Bend Park in Leander, Texas. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or a first-time participant, there's a race for everyone with options including a 50 Miler, 50K, 25K, Half Marathon, 5K, 10K, and a fun Kids 1K.

Embrace the spirit of adventure as you navigate through scenic trails featuring breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Colorado River and sun-bleached limestone bluffs. The event promises a supportive community atmosphere, with generous cutoff times to encourage all fitness levels to join in on the fun. So, lace up your running shoes or grab your rucksack, and start your year with a fulfilling challenge that celebrates running and the great outdoors at the Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experienceβ€”register now and make your New Year’s resolution a reality!

Organiser's Description

NEW YEAR'S ULTRA CELEBRATION

RING IN THE NEW YEAR ON THE TRAILS OF ARKANSAS BEND PARK

50K ULTRA
25K TRAIL
HALF MARATHON
HALF RUCK
5K/10K
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 [https://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

R

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

R

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



TRAIL 5K &10K: 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!

VIEW COURSE MAPS [https://d2mkojm4rk40ta.cloudfront.net/us-east-1-src/prod/clientUploads/2024-12/16/1/164933/b82a038f-037a-4c01-9e46-a77188957298-bNx7Sq.png]

RING IN THE NEW YEAR ON THE TRAILS

Challenge yourself in the beauty of Arkansas Bend Park - choose your distance and start your year with an achievement!

REGISTER NOW

Races

  • 50 Miler

    Incl. $7.60 Fee

    Thu 1st January 2026 (8:00AM CST)

    $117.59

  • 50K Ultramarathon

    Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (8:30AM CST)

    $91.10

    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.
  • 25K Trail Run

    Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (8:30AM CST)

    $64.60

    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, complete with a 7-hour cutoff time.
  • Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (8:30AM CST)

    $59.30

    The looped course winds through picturesque areas, highlighting river views, and gentle inclines, suitable for both new and experienced runners.
  • Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) Ruck Division

    Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (8:30AM CST)

    $59.30

    In a bid to expand the community and embrace a broader spectrum of physical activities, the Challenge also includes a special Ruck Division within the 13.1-mile half-marathon. 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: Participants must carry a weighted backpack. The minimum weight is 20 pounds for participants under 150 pounds and 30 pounds for those over 150 pounds. Weights will be verified at the beginning and end of the race. Course: Ruck Division participants will tackle the same scenic half-marathon course, designed to be both challenging and rewarding, with the added difficulty of the weighted ruck.
  • 5K Run/Walk

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $32.79

  • Kids 1K

    Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $11.60

    Our 1K race is specially designed for our youngest athletes, ages 8 and under. This exciting event offers children a taste of competitive running in a fun, supportive environment. Guardians are welcome to accompany their child during the 1K. To do so, you must be registered for the 5K. This ensures proper event coverage and safety for all participants. Participants will: -Race on a safe, kid-friendly 1-kilometer course -Cross the same finish line as the 5K runners, just like the pros -Build confidence and develop a love for running and fitness Watch your little ones beam with pride as they sprint across the same finish line as the older athletes. It's a perfect opportunity for families to participate together, with parents able to run the 5K while kids tackle the 1K challenge.
  • 5K Ruck

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $32.79

    Required Gear Rucksack: GORUCK Rucker recommended, but any rucksack is acceptable Must have reflective elements for visibility and safety Ruck Plates: Men: 20 lb (9.1 kg) Ruck Plate Women: 10 lb (4.5 kg) Ruck Plate Plates must be placed high in the rucksack, close to your back Additional Gear: Hydration system (water bladder or bottles) Appropriate footwear for trail conditions Weather-appropriate clothing Weight Requirements These weight requirements apply to all events (5K, 10K, and Half Marathon): Men: 20 lbs (9.1 kg) Women: 10 lbs (4.5 kg) Note: These are dry weights. Water, food, and additional gear do not count towards the weight requirement. Weight Verification Weight checks will be conducted at the start and finish of each event For longer events (10K and Half Marathon), additional checks may be performed during the course Participants must maintain the required weight throughout the entire event Additional Notes While GORUCK Ruck Plates are recommended, equivalent weights (e.g. weight vest pl
  • 10K Ruck

    Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $43.39

  • 10k

    Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt

    Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)

    $43.39

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

16900 Cherry Ln, Lago Vista, 78645, TX, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Maybe

Meghan Lovell

More from Fit Foundation

You might like

Jan 1, 2026

$11.60 - $117.59