Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | Last Runner Standing | 5K Run/Walk | Kids 1K
- Date Thu 1st January 2026
- Time 8:30AM CST
- Location Lago Vista, Texas
- Price $11.60 - $91.10
- Races 8 races
- Distances Ultra, 5km, Half Marathon, 1km
Event summary
Get ready to kick off 2026 with a bang at the Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge! Taking place on January 1st, 2026, in the beautiful Arkansas Bend Park in Leander, Texas, this event offers an exciting array of race distances to suit everyone from seasoned ultrarunners to families looking for fun. Choose from a thrilling 50K ultramarathon, a challenging 25K trail run, a scenic half marathon, an engaging Last Runner Standing ultra, or a refreshing 5K run/walk.
Experience the stunning backdrops of crystal-clear waters and picturesque limestone bluffs as you tackle these diverse courses. Each race features generous cutoff times, ensuring that participants of all fitness levels can embrace the challenge and enjoy the camaraderie of the running community. With options for ruckers and a special kids' 1K, there's something for everyone! Don't miss out on this exhilarating New Year’s celebration that promises to inspire and motivate you for the year ahead. Join us for a day filled with determination, adventure, and unforgettable memories!
Experience the stunning backdrops of crystal-clear waters and picturesque limestone bluffs as you tackle these diverse courses. Each race features generous cutoff times, ensuring that participants of all fitness levels can embrace the challenge and enjoy the camaraderie of the running community. With options for ruckers and a special kids' 1K, there's something for everyone! Don't miss out on this exhilarating New Year’s celebration that promises to inspire and motivate you for the year ahead. Join us for a day filled with determination, adventure, and unforgettable memories!
Organiser's Description
NEW YEAR'S ULTRA CELEBRATION!
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 four races and caters to both seasoned ultrarunners and first-timers with generous cutoff times for all distances. View the course maps _HERE._ [https://fitfoundation.org/new-year-trail-challenge]
50K ULTRAMARATHON
_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. _
* 31.1-mile looped course design on trails. and along the river
* 10-hour cutoff time
* TOTAL per loop distance: 7.183 mi
* Elev. gain/loss: 512'/-531'
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR RACE STRATEGY? VISIT HTTPS://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
_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. Running/hiking poles are recommended. _
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. _
* 5-hour cutoff time
HALF MARATHON (13.1 MILES) RUCK DIVISION
_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.
* 5-hour cutoff time
_LAST RUNNER STANDING ULTRA: LAKE TRAVIS CHALLENGE_
Push your limits in this unique ultra-running event combining strategic pacing with endurance against the stunning backdrop of Lake Travis. Experience the thrill of a format that rewards both physical stamina and tactical intelligence. Event Format: Every hour on the hour, runners tackle a scenic 4.9-mile out-and-back loop along Lake Travis. The challenge? Keep going until you can't complete the loop within the hour or until you're the last one standing. Victory Conditions: To be crowned the overall winner, you must:
* Be the final runner remaining across all race distances
* Complete one final loop after all other runners have finished
* Continue running past 6:30 PM to validate your victory
This 10-hour endurance challenge is perfect for:
* Experienced ultra-runners seeking a new format to test their limits
* Marathon runners ready to step up to ultra distances
* Strategic runners who excel at pacing and mental endurance
Each loop brings new challenges and achievements, building toward an unforgettable day of personal accomplishment. The gravel trails and lakeside views create an ideal setting for pushing beyond your perceived limits. Register now to join us for an epic day of determination, strategy, and achievement. Come discover what you're truly capable of, one hour at a time.
_TRAIL 5K: RUN OR RUCK_
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.
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 four races and caters to both seasoned ultrarunners and first-timers with generous cutoff times for all distances. View the course maps _HERE._ [https://fitfoundation.org/new-year-trail-challenge]
50K ULTRAMARATHON
_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. _
* 31.1-mile looped course design on trails. and along the river
* 10-hour cutoff time
* TOTAL per loop distance: 7.183 mi
* Elev. gain/loss: 512'/-531'
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR RACE STRATEGY? VISIT HTTPS://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
_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. Running/hiking poles are recommended. _
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. _
* 5-hour cutoff time
HALF MARATHON (13.1 MILES) RUCK DIVISION
_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.
* 5-hour cutoff time
_LAST RUNNER STANDING ULTRA: LAKE TRAVIS CHALLENGE_
Push your limits in this unique ultra-running event combining strategic pacing with endurance against the stunning backdrop of Lake Travis. Experience the thrill of a format that rewards both physical stamina and tactical intelligence. Event Format: Every hour on the hour, runners tackle a scenic 4.9-mile out-and-back loop along Lake Travis. The challenge? Keep going until you can't complete the loop within the hour or until you're the last one standing. Victory Conditions: To be crowned the overall winner, you must:
* Be the final runner remaining across all race distances
* Complete one final loop after all other runners have finished
* Continue running past 6:30 PM to validate your victory
This 10-hour endurance challenge is perfect for:
* Experienced ultra-runners seeking a new format to test their limits
* Marathon runners ready to step up to ultra distances
* Strategic runners who excel at pacing and mental endurance
Each loop brings new challenges and achievements, building toward an unforgettable day of personal accomplishment. The gravel trails and lakeside views create an ideal setting for pushing beyond your perceived limits. Register now to join us for an epic day of determination, strategy, and achievement. Come discover what you're truly capable of, one hour at a time.
_TRAIL 5K: RUN OR RUCK_
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.
Races
-
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. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$27.50
-
Last Runner Standing Ultra
Incl. $6.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 1st January 2026 (8:30AM CST)
$91.10
Challenge yourself in this unique ultra-running event that combines the strategic pacing of a backyard ultra against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Travis, this event pushes your limits. -
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. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 1st January 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$27.50
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
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Add a reviewLake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | Last Runner Standing | 5K Run/Walk | Kids 1K