FIELDS OF GOLD TRAIL RUN
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area - A Celebration of Fall's Golden Glory
Location: 706 County Road 343A, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Terrain: Rolling hills, meadow trails, and lakeside paths
Benefits: HKRS Cedar Park Youth Running Programs
Experience the breathtaking transformation of Texas Hill Country as autumn paints the landscape in brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson. The Fields of Gold Trail Run offers runners an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular fall scenery in Central Texas.
RACE OPTIONS
12-Hour Endurance Challenge, 50K and Marathon (26.2 miles)
The ultimate autumn challenge featuring diverse terrain through golden grasslands, wooded valleys, and scenic overlooks
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Perfect for experiencing the best of fall foliage on a challenging yet achievable course
10K Trail Run
A scenic route showcasing the park's most photogenic autumn vistas
5K Harvest Fun Run
Family-friendly course through golden meadows, perfect for all ages and abilities
12-Hour Endurance Challenge
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Cut-off: 12-hour continuous endurance challenge
Winner determined by total miles covered
No set distance - push your personal limits
Aid stations and support provided
Gold Hour Endurance Challenge
Run into the Golden Hour.
As the sun lowers over the Texas fields and the light turns gold, the trail comes alive.
The Gold Hour Trail Challenge is a 60-minute endurance test set on a scenic 4-mile out-and-back course. When the horn sounds, runners will have one hour to cover as much distance as possible — pushing toward the turnaround and racing the light back to the finish. Run hard. Settle into rhythm. Or chase one more lap before time expires.
Night Trail Running Safety
Your safety is our priority during this trail event. Participants running the dark hours must have:
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Headlamp (required) - with fresh batteries
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Backup light source (recommended)
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Reflective clothing or vest
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Personal hydration system
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Cell phone for emergency communications
WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL
Peak Fall Colors: Timed perfectly to coincide with autumn's most spectacular display when native grasses turn golden and trees showcase their fall brilliance
Fields of Gold: Run through expansive meadows of native Texas grasses that shimmer like gold in the autumn sunlight
Harvest Celebration: Post-race festivities
A RUN WITH PURPOSE: Supporting HKRS Cedar Park Youth Programs
Limited financial resources, lack of access to youth sports programs, social isolation, and barriers to healthy lifestyle activities are just some of the challenges young people face in accessing running programs. Through HKRS Cedar Park's 5-week fall and spring racing series, mentorship opportunities, and having a supportive community presence, HKRS Cedar Park helps kids build confidence, develop healthy habits, and overcome obstacles to active living.
HKRS Cedar Park is part of a nationally recognized organization. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit it offers registration assistance to ensure all children can participate regardless of their family's financial situation, and anyone can access their programs including families new to running. All of their programs are welcoming, inclusive, and tailored to each individual child's age and ability level. Your money helps to do this.
You can donate directly to HKRS Cedar Park here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/TX/CedarPark/HKRSCedarParkTX
After deducting expenses, all remaining proceeds from the Fields of Gold Trail Run will benefit HKRS Cedar Park's youth running programs. Your participation directly supports:
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Registration assistance for families who cannot afford program fees
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Essential equipment including race bibs, timing equipment, and safety materials
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Program expansion to reach more children in the Cedar Park community
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Volunteer training and coordinator development
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Community outreach to underserved families
"When you run through these golden fields, you're not just covering miles — you're helping ensure every child in Cedar Park has the opportunity to experience the joy of running and develop lifelong healthy habits!"
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship
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Lakeview, Osprey, Equine, Legacy Loop: Run through expansive fields of native grasses at their autumn peak
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Scenic Overlook Ridge: Panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country in full fall splendor
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Osprey and Odyssey Trail: Peaceful wooded sections with fall foliage reflected in clear running water
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Homestead finish: Timed finish to capture the golden hour light across the fields
RACE EXPERIENCE
All participants receive a custom harvest-themed finisher's medal, race shirt featuring original autumn artwork, and access to the post-race celebration. Aid stations feature seasonal favorites like apple cider, pumpkin cookie bites, and warming beverages.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
Event Management: The Fields of Gold Trail Run is managed and organized by Fit Foundation volunteers in aid of Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park youth programs.
Note: Due to the seasonal nature of fall foliage, this event is scheduled during peak color time. Trail conditions are weather-dependent, and routes may be adjusted to protect natural areas.
★★★ REGISTER TODAY! ★★★
RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS GOLDEN AUTUMN ADVENTURE
Where every mile supports young runners and celebrates fall's most beautiful colors!
SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS UNIQUE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY EXPERIENCE!