Labor Day Trail Challenge

LABOR DAY TRAIL CHALLENGE

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 four distances 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.

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. All finishers receive a custom medal.

Four Distances, One Epic Course

• 5K: 3.1 miles · Beginner Friendly
• 10K: 6.2 miles · Intermediate
• HALF MARATHON: 13.1 miles · Intermediate
• MARATHON: 26.2 miles · Advanced

Course Highlights

• Lost Pines Forest: Run through towering loblolly pines and eastern red cedars.
• River Overlooks: Scenic views of the Colorado River from bluff-top trails.
• Rolling Elevation: Up to 469 ft of elevation gain on technical single-track.
• Aid Stations: Water, electrolytes, and snacks.
• Wildlife Corridor: 4 ecosystems converge, home to 250+ bird species.
• Custom Finisher Medal: For all finishers.

Race Details

• Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Start Time: 9:00 AM CDT
• 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)