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
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