LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE
RETURN OF THE BULL
Conquer the Lost Pines on single-track trails along the Colorado River
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TRAILS
Single-Track & Fire Roads
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ECOSYSTEMS
4 Unique Biomes
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SETTING
Colorado River
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About the Race
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 half-marathon and marathon 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
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5K
3.1 Miles
Beginner Friendly
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10K
6.2 Miles
Intermediate
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POPULAR
🔥
HALF MARATHON
13.1 Miles
Intermediate
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MARATHON
26.2 Miles
Advanced
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⏱️ 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.
Course Highlights
| 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 half marathon and marathon finisher earns a custom rodeo-style belt buckle from the Rodeo Trail Run Series | |
Race Swag & Awards
| TRAIL RUN RODEO SERIES
Rodeo Series Buckle
Custom belt buckle, signature of the Rodeo Trail Run Series. Every half-marathon and marathon finisher.
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Event T-Shirt
Moisture-wicking, gender-specific cut with rodeo series branding
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LOST PINES
Finisher Medal
Custom Lost Pines design for all finishers
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Awards
Overall WinnersCowboy hat award for top male & female finisher in each distance event |
FINISHER RODEO TRAIL RUN SERIES • 2026
All FinishersEvery half-marathon and marathon runner who crosses the finish line within cutoff earns a Rodeo Trail Run Series buckle |
Race Details
| 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) |
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.