OUTLAST AUSTIN

Join us at one of Texas’s most popular runs, voted best trail race in Austin by Austin Fit Magazine! Texas Switchback is now the 3rd and final race of the Rogue Trail Series. Enjoy the beautiful yet challenging single track course, friendly volunteers, live bluegrass music, a local Austin food truck, and of course, a cool dip in Flat Creek after your race. It will be a race experience you wont forget!

JUNE 6th, 2026.

Pedernales Falls is the first in the incredible 2026 Capt'n Karl's Night Trail Run Series. CKTS is the longest running night series in the country. These night-time races are incredibly well-supported and well loved! It's a must-experience event for new and seasoned trail runners. 60km, 30km, 20km, 10km and Sunset 5km.

While every racer will get some cool swag, May 14th is the deadline to get a shirt.

Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge

The Fastest Summer Ultramarathon in Texas

July 25 & 26, 2026 | Pace Bend Park, Lake Travis

Set a PR!

Scenic Hill Country Course

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Texas Hill Country as you run on smooth paved roads winding through majestic oak trees. With Lake Travis as your backdrop, this picturesque route combines natural beauty with the perfect running surface for speed and comfort.

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Set your sights on a personal record at the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge. This unique event features a perfectly engineered 1.64-mile paved loop with an elevation gain of just 33ft at scenic Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis, designed for speed and performance even in July.

Race Distances

52.7 Mile Race

Loops: 32

Distance: 52.7 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25

50K

Loops: 19

Distance: 31.0 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25

Marathon (USATF Certification code: TX25015LAB)

Loops: 16

Distance: 26.35 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25

25K

Loops: 10

Distance: 15.5 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25; 7:00AM 07/26

10K

Loops: 4

Distance: 6.2 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25;

7:00 AM 07/26

5K

Loops: 2

Distance: 3.1 mi

Start: 7:00 PM 07/25

7:00 AM 07/26

Carpe Diem 60

One Hour. One Sunrise.

Beat the heat.

Seize the morning.

Earn your day.

Start: 6:00 AM 07/26

7:00 AM 07/26

Why Choose This Race?

Fast, PR-Friendly USATF Certified Marathon Course (Boston Qualifier)

Unlike typical Texas summer ultras with brutal heat and technical trails, our smooth asphalt loop with minimal elevation gain creates ideal conditions for record-setting performances. This is a USATF-certified course: Certification code: TX25015LAB.

Evening Start Format

Race as the sun sets and July's magnificent Buck Moon rises over the limestone bluffs. Our strategic evening start times for longer distances mean cooler temperatures when you need it most.

Pacers Allowed

While we won't be providing official pacing groups for the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge due to our size, we enthusiastically welcome personal pacers for both the Marathon, 50K and 52.7 Mile Solo events. Personal pacers can join Marathon and 50K participants after 8 loops and 52.7 Mile runners after 16 loops (approximately halfway points). Each pacer must pay a $15 fee that covers park entry, administrative costs, and an official pacer bib. Pacers need to sign a waiver and wear their designated "PACER" bib while on course. Runners are responsible for arranging their own pacers, but the loop format makes it particularly convenient for your support crew to join when you need them most. We find this flexibility is especially appreciated by first-time marathoners and ultra runners who benefit from personalized support during the challenging later miles as day turns to evening.

Pickup Information:

Saturday Packet Pickup:

Available from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Race Day Pickup:

For those unable to attend on Saturday or who prefer to pick up on race day, same-day packet pickup will be available Sunday morning from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.

Carpe Diem 60

One Hour. One Sunrise. Start your day with purpose.

Carpe Diem 60 is a 60-minute sunrise endurance challenge on this out-and-back course. At 6:00 AM, you’ll have one hour to cover as much distance as possible with early morning focus. Most Distance Covered Wins

Beat the heat. Seize the morning. Earn your day.

Course Details

The distinctive figure-8 course winds through the breathtaking Hill Country landscape of Pace Bend Park, featuring limestone bluffs, majestic oak trees, and views of Lake Travis. The smooth asphalt surface throughout makes it perfect for both day and night running, with the main loop connecting to a smaller upper loop.

• Surface: 100% smooth, paved asphalt – ideal for consistent pacing

• Elevation: Minimal gain per loop – gentle, predictable terrain

• Loop Length: 1.64 miles in a figure-8 configuration

• Scenery: Limestone bluffs, oak-covered hills, and Lake Travis views

• Aid Station: Access every 1.64 miles at the start/finish hub

• Marking: Fully marked with reflective markers for nighttime visibility

"Whether you're chasing a PR, a qualifying time, or simply want to experience the joy of running fast through a Texas summer night beneath towering oaks and limestone cliffs, the Solstice Circuit Challenge offers a rare opportunity to push your limits under optimal conditions."

Amenities

Aid Station

Fully stocked station at the start/finish hub

Restrooms

Convenient toilet vault facilities

Camping

First-come, first-served sites surrounding the course

Parking

Multiple areas for easy access

Finisher Awards

Medals and custom challenge coins for all finishers

Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. These coins are part of the Race Austin Series: Collector's Challenge, which allows you to exchange three same-tier coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.

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Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience

Race from sunset to stars beneath the Buck Moon on the fastest summer ultra course in the Texas Hill Country.

REGISTER NOW!

Ready to prepare? Check out our comprehensive training guide designed specifically for the Solstice Circuit Challenge.

What Is OUTLAST?

OUTLAST is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge where runners complete a 5K every hour, on the hour. Each lap must be finished within the hour to stay in the event. If you finish early, you rest until the next round. Miss a lap, and you’re out.

Complete all six rounds, and you OUTLAST.

This isn't just about speed — it's about pacing, discipline, and mental grit. Whether you're trying to survive all six or win your division, the challenge is the same: show up each hour, push your limits, and stay in it.

Each course is trail-based, with natural terrain, elevation, and unpredictable conditions. You’ll have time between rounds to recover, refuel, and refocus — but not much.

What You Earn:

​4 laps = “Grit Earned” patch

5 laps = “Survivor” patch

6 laps = Premium “OUTLAST” medal

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All participants receive a premium OUTLAST Tee.

Top male and female with the fastest combined 5K times at each event win the 1st Place OUTLAST award.

Finishers are ranked on the national leaderboard—and the fastest runner across all OUTLAST 6-hour events will be crowned National Champion and take home $1,000.

The 1st Place Male and Female 6-hour champions from this race will take home $1000 each. (This is separate from the national leaderboard prize money.)

By the end of the 2026-2027 tour, the top 100 best times nationally will be invited to also compete in the Outlast Championship in 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to run all 6 laps?

Nope. Run as many as you can. If you complete 4 or 5, you'll still earn a patch. Only those who finish all 6 get the OUTLAST medal and leaderboard ranking.

What happens if I don’t finish a lap in time?

You're out. The next lap starts at the top of the next hour, and only those who completed the last lap on time can continue.

How is the race timed?

Each 5K is timed individually. If you complete all 6, your combined time counts toward the local win and national leaderboard.

Are these trail races or road?

Every OUTLAST race is on trail terrain — dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation. Sometimes some pavement and gravel.

Can I walk?

Yes, as long as you finish the 5K within the hour. But some courses are rugged, and time can sneak up on you.

Are there aid stations?

Yes. There will be water, basic hydration, and snacks at the basecamp/loop start. This is a cupless event — bring your own bottle or hydration system.

What should I bring?

Headlamps are required for all night race participants, trail shoes, hydration system, layers (weather dependent), fuel between laps, and grit.

Can I setup a tent?

Absolutely, bring your own aid station/tent setup.

Is OUTLAST for beginners?

Yes — if you're mentally tough. You don’t need to be fast, just consistent and ready to suffer a little.

How do I win?

If you finish all 6 laps and have the fastest combined time, you win your division (male/female). Winners are also added to the national leaderboard for a shot at the $1,000 national prize & title.