Mansfield Dam: Run the Light 5K, 10K, Endurance Run
- Date Sat 26th December 2026
- Time 7:30AM CST
- Location Austin, Texas
- Price $32.79 - $64.59
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season at the Mansfield Dam: Run the Light event on Saturday, December 26, 2026, in the picturesque Jessica Hollis Park along Lake Travis, Austin, Texas! This joyous celebration of the winter solstice invites participants to take part in a unique daylight endurance challenge featuring a 5K, 10K, and an exciting endurance run. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country while burning off those holiday feasts.
Choose your adventure starting from 7:30 AM and run as many laps as you wish before sunset, with options for those looking for a morning challenge or a focused afternoon effort. The 5K, starting at 2:00 PM, is perfect for newcomers wanting to experience the thrill of running, while the 10K, kicking off at 1:00 PM, offers a beautiful course along smooth paved paths. With no cutoffs or eliminations, this event is all about enjoying the outdoors and celebrating the return of the light. Join us for a memorable day filled with movement, community, and breathtaking scenery!
Choose your adventure starting from 7:30 AM and run as many laps as you wish before sunset, with options for those looking for a morning challenge or a focused afternoon effort. The 5K, starting at 2:00 PM, is perfect for newcomers wanting to experience the thrill of running, while the 10K, kicking off at 1:00 PM, offers a beautiful course along smooth paved paths. With no cutoffs or eliminations, this event is all about enjoying the outdoors and celebrating the return of the light. Join us for a memorable day filled with movement, community, and breathtaking scenery!
Organiser's Description
_RUN THE LIGHT_
WINTER SOLSTICE
MANSFIELD DAM JESSICA HOLLIS PARK LAKE TRAVIS AUSTIN, TEXAS
The day after Christmas. Celebrate the return of the light.
A DAYLIGHT ENDURANCE CHALLENGE IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
[Mansfield Dam Jessica Hollis Park View]
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
DATE
December 26, 2026
_Saturday_
FORMAT
Sunrise to Sunset
Endurance Run, 10K, 5K
alarm clock
EVENT WINDOW
7:30 AM Sunset
[Race participants]
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
Run the Light is a lap-based event on a scenic out and back path along Lake Travis. Burn off the Christmas feast with movement, fresh air, and the Hill Country sky. Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your effort is yours to manage.
ENDURANCE RUN | MORNING START WINDOW
START ANY TIME BETWEEN 7:30 AM 12:00 PM
Run as many laps as you choose before sunset. Ideal for runners targeting 48 hours of movement. Maximum time on the course before the light fades.
ENDURANCE RUN | AFTERNOON START WINDOW
START ANY TIME BETWEEN 1:00 PM 5:30 PM
A focused effort as the day winds down. Ideal for runners targeting 14 hours of movement. Feel the urgency as the sun lowers toward the horizon.
10K 1:00 PM START
A set-distance option with the same solstice spirit. Features beautiful lake views throughout on smooth paved surfaces. Run or ruck option available.
5K 2:00 PM START
Perfect for those new to trail running or wanting a shorter celebration of the light. Ideal for PR attempts and first-time racers.
Participant numbers are capped to meet City of Austin requirements.
WHY RUN THE LIGHT?
The day after Christmas. The days are shortest. The light is returning. Burn off the feast. Celebrate the season.
CHALLENGE THE DAYLIGHT
No cutoffs, no eliminations, no overnight miles. Just you, the trail, and the low winter sun. When the light is gone, the day and the run end together.
REFLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
The day after Christmas at the lake. As the sun arcs low across the Hill Country sky, every lap becomes more intentional. A peaceful way to close out the holiday.
YOUR PACE, YOUR DAY
Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your day is yours to manage. Whether you're chasing maximum distance or simply want to spend a full day outdoors in motion, Run the Light meets you where you are.
WHO THIS IS FOR
EXPERIENCED ENDURANCE RUNNERS
A unique seasonal challenge without overnight running. Test your endurance against the natural constraint of available sunlight.
FIRST-TIME ENDURANCE ATHLETES
No pressure of cutoffs or eliminations. Run as much or as little as the light allows. A welcoming entry point to longer efforts.
ANYONE SEEKING MEANING
Start a new holiday tradition. Celebrate the return of the light with intentional movement the day after Christmas.
The week of the shortest day. Longest effort.
RESULTS & RECOGNITION
ENDURANCE RUN RESULTS
Ranked by TOTAL DISTANCE COMPLETED before sunset. Chip timing available for those interested in tracking their times. Awards for most laps completed, furthest distance (male/female), and final lap finisher at sunset. Special "Run the Light" Solstice recognition for all participants.
5K & 10K RESULTS
Timed results by age group. All participants receive official results.
CUSTOM CHALLENGE COIN
Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. This coin is part of the _RACE AUSTIN SERIES: COLLECTOR'S CHALLENGE_, which allows you to exchange three copper/bronze coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.
KEY DETAILS
Permit Pending: This event is pending final permit approval from LCRA. In the unlikely event that the permit is not approved, all registered participants will receive a full refund or the option to defer to a future Mansfield Dam race.
DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY
No night running. No headlamps required. All running must conclude by sunset.
check mark button
NO ELIMINATIONS
No cutoffs or hourly starts. Participants may stop at any time; all distances count.
AID STATION
Aid station is available at the loop hub throughout the event.
LAP RULES
Laps must be completed before sunset to count toward your total. Start times are self-selected within your chosen window.
ENJOY ALL MANSFIELD DAM AT JESSICA HOLLIS PARK HAS TO OFFER
Your registration includes full access to all park amenities - make it a full day of outdoor enjoyment!
HIKING TRAILS
Explore additional paths beyond the race at the Overlook Park route for an extended outdoor adventure
LAKE TRAVIS VIEWS
Stunning lakeside scenery throughout the course. The perfect backdrop for your day-after-Christmas run.
HISTORIC DAM VIEWS
Experience the impressive Mansfield Dam structure and panoramic views of Lake Travis and the Hill Country
Start a new tradition. Run the day after Christmas. Celebrate the light.
Run the Light Winter Solstice is a daylight endurance challenge, not a timed race. By registering, you acknowledge that all running must occur between sunrise and sunset, and that no credit will be given for laps started after the sun sets.
WINTER SOLSTICE
MANSFIELD DAM JESSICA HOLLIS PARK LAKE TRAVIS AUSTIN, TEXAS
The day after Christmas. Celebrate the return of the light.
A DAYLIGHT ENDURANCE CHALLENGE IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
[Mansfield Dam Jessica Hollis Park View]
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
DATE
December 26, 2026
_Saturday_
FORMAT
Sunrise to Sunset
Endurance Run, 10K, 5K
alarm clock
EVENT WINDOW
7:30 AM Sunset
[Race participants]
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
Run the Light is a lap-based event on a scenic out and back path along Lake Travis. Burn off the Christmas feast with movement, fresh air, and the Hill Country sky. Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your effort is yours to manage.
ENDURANCE RUN | MORNING START WINDOW
START ANY TIME BETWEEN 7:30 AM 12:00 PM
Run as many laps as you choose before sunset. Ideal for runners targeting 48 hours of movement. Maximum time on the course before the light fades.
ENDURANCE RUN | AFTERNOON START WINDOW
START ANY TIME BETWEEN 1:00 PM 5:30 PM
A focused effort as the day winds down. Ideal for runners targeting 14 hours of movement. Feel the urgency as the sun lowers toward the horizon.
10K 1:00 PM START
A set-distance option with the same solstice spirit. Features beautiful lake views throughout on smooth paved surfaces. Run or ruck option available.
5K 2:00 PM START
Perfect for those new to trail running or wanting a shorter celebration of the light. Ideal for PR attempts and first-time racers.
Participant numbers are capped to meet City of Austin requirements.
WHY RUN THE LIGHT?
The day after Christmas. The days are shortest. The light is returning. Burn off the feast. Celebrate the season.
CHALLENGE THE DAYLIGHT
No cutoffs, no eliminations, no overnight miles. Just you, the trail, and the low winter sun. When the light is gone, the day and the run end together.
REFLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
The day after Christmas at the lake. As the sun arcs low across the Hill Country sky, every lap becomes more intentional. A peaceful way to close out the holiday.
YOUR PACE, YOUR DAY
Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your day is yours to manage. Whether you're chasing maximum distance or simply want to spend a full day outdoors in motion, Run the Light meets you where you are.
WHO THIS IS FOR
EXPERIENCED ENDURANCE RUNNERS
A unique seasonal challenge without overnight running. Test your endurance against the natural constraint of available sunlight.
FIRST-TIME ENDURANCE ATHLETES
No pressure of cutoffs or eliminations. Run as much or as little as the light allows. A welcoming entry point to longer efforts.
ANYONE SEEKING MEANING
Start a new holiday tradition. Celebrate the return of the light with intentional movement the day after Christmas.
The week of the shortest day. Longest effort.
RESULTS & RECOGNITION
ENDURANCE RUN RESULTS
Ranked by TOTAL DISTANCE COMPLETED before sunset. Chip timing available for those interested in tracking their times. Awards for most laps completed, furthest distance (male/female), and final lap finisher at sunset. Special "Run the Light" Solstice recognition for all participants.
5K & 10K RESULTS
Timed results by age group. All participants receive official results.
CUSTOM CHALLENGE COIN
Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. This coin is part of the _RACE AUSTIN SERIES: COLLECTOR'S CHALLENGE_, which allows you to exchange three copper/bronze coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.
KEY DETAILS
Permit Pending: This event is pending final permit approval from LCRA. In the unlikely event that the permit is not approved, all registered participants will receive a full refund or the option to defer to a future Mansfield Dam race.
DAYLIGHT HOURS ONLY
No night running. No headlamps required. All running must conclude by sunset.
check mark button
NO ELIMINATIONS
No cutoffs or hourly starts. Participants may stop at any time; all distances count.
AID STATION
Aid station is available at the loop hub throughout the event.
LAP RULES
Laps must be completed before sunset to count toward your total. Start times are self-selected within your chosen window.
ENJOY ALL MANSFIELD DAM AT JESSICA HOLLIS PARK HAS TO OFFER
Your registration includes full access to all park amenities - make it a full day of outdoor enjoyment!
HIKING TRAILS
Explore additional paths beyond the race at the Overlook Park route for an extended outdoor adventure
LAKE TRAVIS VIEWS
Stunning lakeside scenery throughout the course. The perfect backdrop for your day-after-Christmas run.
HISTORIC DAM VIEWS
Experience the impressive Mansfield Dam structure and panoramic views of Lake Travis and the Hill Country
Start a new tradition. Run the day after Christmas. Celebrate the light.
Run the Light Winter Solstice is a daylight endurance challenge, not a timed race. By registering, you acknowledge that all running must occur between sunrise and sunset, and that no credit will be given for laps started after the sun sets.
Races
-
5k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th December 2026 (2:00PM CST)
$32.79
-
10k
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirts
Sat 26th December 2026 (1:00PM CST)
$43.39
-
Endurance Run
Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th December 2026 (7:30AM CST)
$64.59
-
Endurance Run- Afternoon
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th December 2026 (1:00PM CST)
$53.99
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Location
14100 Low Water Crossing Rd., Austin, 78732, TX, United States
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Mansfield Dam: Run the Light 5K, 10K, Endurance Run
