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  • 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Bastrop, Texas, 78612, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps
    Distance: 7.6 km from Bastrop
    Sat, Sep 05, 2026 at 6:30 AM

    INAUGURAL EVENT · 2026

    LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE

    RETURN OF THE BULL

    Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River

    September 5, 2026 | McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek TX

    5K · 10K · CARPE DIEM 1-HOUR · HALF MARATHON · MARATHON

    TRAILS

    Single-Track & Fire Roads

    ECOSYSTEMS

    4 Unique Biomes

    SETTING

    Colorado River

    About the Race

    THE RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES RIDES AGAIN

    Kick off your Labor Day weekend with an unforgettable trail running experience at McKinney Roughs Nature Park, a stunning 1,140-acre preserve just 13 miles east of Austin along the Colorado River. Choose from five events that wind through the park's rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows, and towering loblolly pine forests.

    This is Central Texas trail running at its finest. You'll traverse four distinct ecosystems. Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a lush riparian corridor, all in a single race. Expect technical single-track, scenic river overlooks, and the kind of terrain that makes every mile an adventure.

    Return of the Bull marks the second chapter of the Rodeo Trail Run Series, following the inaugural Austin's Rodeo Trail Run at Grelle Recreation Area. All finishers receive a custom rodeo-style belt buckle and event shirt, the signature swag of the series.

    Whether you're a seasoned ultra-distance trail runner taking on the full marathon, a veteran racer tackling the half, or a newcomer ready for your first 5K off-road, the Labor Day Trail Challenge has a distance for you.

    Choose Your Distance

    FIVE EVENTS · ONE EPIC COURSE

    5K

    3.1 Miles

    Beginner Friendly

    10K

    6.2 Miles

    Intermediate

    POPULAR

    🔥

    HALF MARATHON

    13.1 Miles

    Intermediate

    MARATHON

    26.2 Miles

    Advanced

    ⏱️ Carpe Diem Trail Challenge

    How far can you go in one hour? The Carpe Diem challenge is a timed effort — run as many miles as you can in 60 minutes on the same single-track course. No set distance. No pressure. Just you, the trail, and the clock.

    STARTS 6:30 AM · 1 HOUR

    ⚠️ Early bird pricing ends April 1. Prices increase $10 after that date

    Course Highlights

    WHAT AWAITS YOU ON THE TRAIL

    Lost Pines Forest Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars, an isolated pocket of East Texas ecology River Overlooks Scenic bluff-top views of the Colorado River from the Ridge and Bluff Overlook trails

    Rolling Elevation Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track through box canyons and ridgelines Aid Stations Fully stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, and encouragement

    Wildlife Corridor Four ecosystems converge here, home to 250+ bird species and diverse Central Texas wildlife Rodeo Series Buckle Every finisher earns a custom rodeo-style belt buckle from the Rodeo Trail Run Series

    Race Swag & Awards

    WHAT EVERY FINISHER TAKES HOME

    TRAIL RUN RODEO SERIES

    Rodeo Series Buckle

    Custom belt buckle, signature of the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Every finisher.

    Event T-Shirt

    Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut with rodeo series branding

    LOST PINES

    Finisher Medal

    Custom Lost Pines design for all finishers

    Awards

    FOR THOSE WHO RIDE THE HARDEST

    Overall Winners

    Cowboy hat award for top male & female finisher in each distance event

    FINISHER RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES • 2026

    All Finishers

    Every runner who crosses the finish line within cutoff earns a Rodeo Trail Run Series buckle

    Race Details

    EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Date Saturday, September 5, 2026

    Day Labor Day Weekend

    Start Time 7:00 AM (Carpe Diem starts 6:30 AM)

    Location McKinney Roughs Nature Park

    Address 1884 State Hwy 71 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

    Surface Dirt / Single-Track Trail

    Chip Timed Yes

    Stroller Friendly No (trail course)

    Getting There: Located on Hwy 71 just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Look for the distinctive rock wall entrance with windmill on the south side of the highway. Free parking available in the main lot with additional overflow parking.

    Nearby Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the park. Additional hotels available in Bastrop (8 miles east). Make a weekend of it, race Saturday, relax Sunday and Monday.

    Rodeo Trail Run Series

    The Labor Day Trail Challenge is the second event in the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Ran the Austin Rodeo Trail Run at Grelle in March? You're a series veteran. New to the rodeo? Welcome to the herd. Either way, you'll earn one of the two signature series buckles and shirt when you cross the finish line.

    LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE 2026

    McKinney Roughs Nature Park · Cedar Creek, TX · September 5, 2026

    Sponsor Opportunities Available

    See full details
    3.1 Miles5k6.2 Miles10k13.1 Miles26.2 MilesMarathonRunTrailUltra via RunSignup
  • Distance: 20.7 km from Bastrop
    Sat, Oct 03, 2026 at 11:00 AM

    Join us on October 4th for a one-of-a-kind 5K run (or walk!) through the scenic trails and pastures of Star Ranch, a family-friendly nudist resort serving Central Texas since 1957.

    New this year - karaoke, pickleball, Cornhole, free individual photos, and a food truck!

    The Course:

    First 3K: winding through woodlands and pastures

    Final 2K: sand & gravel paths past cabins and cottages

    Finish: at our gorgeous pool with a light meal off the grill

    Event Highlights:

    Clothing-optional – wear as much (or as little) as you like

    Limited to 200 participants – reserve your spot early!

    Part of the A.A.N.R. Southwest Nude Racing Series (no prior races required)

    All runners must pre-register; background checks ensure a safe, welcoming environment

    Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just here for the fun, you’ll love the unique, friendly atmosphere of Star Ranch.

    Don’t miss race day!

    Visit www.starranch.net for details, registration, and info about our year-round activities.

    See full details
    5kGravelRunTrailWalk via RunSignup
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