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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
Autumn Harvest 12HR, Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K
Experience the magic of autumn trail running
12HR, MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 5K & 10K
An Enchanting Fall Adventure
Join us for an unforgettable autumn adventure. Experience the beauty of fall trail running as vibrant seasonal colors transform the landscape and the calm waters create a stunning natural backdrop.
Whether racing at sunrise or pushing through the later miles, you’ll journey along winding lakeside trails, under open skies, and through towering pines in one of Central Texas’ most picturesque settings. Crisp fall air, fast dirt trails, and the energy of fellow runners make this a truly unique endurance experience.
Come celebrate the season, challenge yourself on the trails, and embrace the spirit of the Autumn Harvest Run at Lake Bastrop North Shore and South Shore Parks.
Lake Travis Winter Night Marathon
This event offers scenic trail running through vibrant autumn landscapes along the shores of Lake Bastrop. All participants enjoy well-marked courses designed for both daytime and low-light conditions, including reflective trail markers for darker hours.
Challenge yourself with a memorable Harvest Marathon, Half Marathon, 12-Hour Endurance Challenge, 10K, or 5K experience. Whether you're chasing a personal best or embracing the endurance atmosphere, the Autumn Harvest Run delivers a unique fall racing experience on Central Texas trails.
Event Details
12HR & Marathon
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles
Harvest Half
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Distance: 13.1 miles
Autumn 5K & 10K
Course Description
Scenic Fall Trails
The course winds through the scenic trails of Lake Bastrop North Shore and South Shore Parks, featuring rolling terrain with moderate elevation changes and a dynamic mix of single-track and wider trail sections. Towering pines, lakeside stretches, and vibrant autumn colors enhance the beauty of this unforgettable trail adventure.
Lake Travis Trail Running
Experience stunning viewpoints as you traverse scenic pine-lined trails and rolling terrain. The course showcases the natural beauty of the park in autumn, offering vibrant seasonal colors, lakeside stretches, and peaceful forest surroundings. The result is a trail running experience that is both challenging and achievable, perfect for seasoned trail runners and those stepping up to longer distances alike.
Course Highlights
Terrain: Rolling with moderate elevation changes
Trail Type: Mix of single-track and wider trails
Views: Stunning views
Scenery: Fall foliage and autumn-transformed landscapes
Safety: Well-marked with reflective trail markers and glow sticks for the dark hours
Lake Travis Trail
Registration Includes
Finisher Medal and Series Recognition
Custom challenge coins for all finishers and for multi-event participants
Event Logistics
Packet Pickup
Race Day: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location:
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
603 State Hwy 95 N
Bastrop, TX 78602
Parking & Directions
Parking is available at the event venue.
Additional information will be emailed one week before the event.
Weather Contingency
In case of severe weather, the event may be:
Moved to a later start time
Postponed to the following weekend
Converted to a virtual option
A decision will be made 24 hours before the scheduled start.
Night Trail Running Safety
Your safety is our priority during this trail event. Participants running the dark hours must have:
Headlamp (required) - with fresh batteries
Backup light source (recommended)
Reflective clothing or vest
Personal hydration system
Cell phone for emergency communications
The course will be marked with reflective trail markers and glow sticks/or lighting at key intersections. Aid stations will be fully stocked throughout the event.
Organized in partnership with Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park. Proceeds support HKRS Cedar Park youth running programs.
Experience the Magic of Autumn Trail Running
Join us for this enchanting fall adventure on the trails of Lake Bastrop. Challenge yourself to a unique running experience you'll never forget!
REGISTER NOW!