Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge with Ruck options- 50K | 25K | 1/2 Marathon | Backyard Ultra | 5K Run/Walk | Kids 1K

  • Date Thu 1st January 2026
  • Time 8:30AM EST
  • Location Lago Vista, Texas
  • Price $11.60 - $107.00
  • Races 8 races
  • Distances Ultra, 5km, Half Marathon, 1km

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Event summary

Get ready to kick off the New Year in style at the Lake Travis New Year's Trail Challenge, taking place on January 1, 2026, at the stunning Arkansas Bend Park in Leander, Texas. This festive running event offers an exciting array of race distances, including a thrilling 50K ultramarathon, a 25K trail run, a half marathon (13.1 miles), a fun 5K run/walk, and even a kids' 1K! Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or a first-time participant, there's a perfect challenge awaiting you among the gorgeous landscapes surrounding the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River.

The event features a unique Backyard Ultra, where participants tackle a scenic 4.167-mile loop, testing both endurance and strategy while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Travis. With generous cutoff times and a supportive atmosphere, this New Year's celebration is ideal for runners of all paces and abilities. Donโ€™t miss out on this opportunity to embrace the spirit of community and adventure as you ring in the New Year with grit, determination, and unforgettable memories! Register now and prepare for an exhilarating day of running, camaraderie, and scenic beauty!

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]

BACKYARD ULTRA

_The Backyard Ultra, set in the picturesque Arkansas Bend Park on the shores of Lake Travis, offers runners a thrilling endurance challenge with a twist of uncertainty and the option for a full outdoor experience. This event combines the strategic pacing of a backyard ultra against the stunning backdrop of Lake Travis. Participants will tackle a scenic 4.167-mile (6.71 km) loop through the park's diverse terrain. _

_Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner or looking to push beyond your first marathon, the Backyard Ultra offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Come for the run and create unforgettable memories as you push your limits one loop at a time. Are you ready to earn your plate? Register now and join us for a day of grit, gravel, and grilled goodness!_

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
* 12-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

Races

  • 50K Ultramarathon

    Incl. $7.00 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $107.00

    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. Running/hiking poles are recommended.
  • 25K Trail Run

    Incl. $5.80 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $85.80

    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)

    Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $75.20

    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. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $75.20

    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 (8:30AM EST)

    $32.80

  • Backyard Ultra

    Incl. $6.70 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $101.70

    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 while offering a tasty motivation to keep you going.
  • Kids 1K

    Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt

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

    $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 (8:30AM EST)

    $32.80

    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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Location

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

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Jan 1, 2026

$11.60 - $107.00