Palo Duro Trail Run

Palo Duro Trail Run - October 17, 2026

Join us for the 41st Annual Palo Duro Trail Run which will be held on Saturday, October 17th. The race was started by Red Spicer as a road race and has morphed into a beautiful trail run, with distances of 25K, 50K, and 50 Miles. The race takes place in mid- October when temperatures can vary from freezing at the start to over 100 degrees during the afternoon. You will run a variety of trails from rolling singletrack to sand and rock. There are short but steep and technical ascents and descents. The course is a looped course, so you will see people most of the day and return to the start/finish in order to meet your crew. The 2026 race will be considered a EAST year. All registered participants recieve a long sleeve technical shirt.

Packet Pick-Up

• Thursday, October 15th 3:00-6:00 pm Location: Get Fit 1911 S. Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79109
• Friday, October 16th 3:00-6:00 pm Location: Sad Monkey Mercantile 9800 TX-217, Canyon, TX 79105
• Race Day Saturday October 17th 6:00 am Location: Start / Finish area in the parking lot of Mack Dick Pavillon

Pacers

Pacers are allowed for the 50 mile race on the last (3rd lap) ONLY. Pacers must accompany the runner on foot only. No bicycles, vehicles, or other wheeled conveyences are allowed. ONLY ONE PACER IS ALLOWED ON THE LAST LAP! Pacers must start and finish at the designated drop bag area at the start/finish area. Pacers must remain on foot at all times. Use of non-foot transport by a pacers is a violation of race rules and is subject to disqualifcaiton. All pacers must register through Ultrasignup and sign the waier and pick up a pacer bib at packet pick-up.

Aid Stations / Drop Bag Area

We are proud to be known for the best aid stations in trail racing! You will have 4 fully stocked aid stations with experienced volunteers to help you fill your bladders and bottles. We have a variety of salty and sweet food options from candy and chips to boiled salted potatoes, and PB&J's. You will have water, soda, pickle juice and Hyperlyte Liquid Performance for your hydration needs. Tents and canopies for your crew will be allowed at the Start Finish area ONLY in a designated area. Racers may not take support on course outside of the designated aid stations.

Cupless Race

You must carry your own hydration system. We will not have cups at the aid stations. We will refill your bladders and bottles but if you want pickle juice or coke, etc, you need a packable cup.

2026 Race Day Schedule

• Saturday, October 17th 6:00 am Packet Pickup at the start/finish area in the Mack Dick parking lot under the Get Fit tent.
• 6:30 am 50M Start
• 6:30 am 50K Start
• 7:20 am 25K Wave Start

Cutoffs

• 50M - 2:30 pm. Runners will NOT be allowed to continue the race from the start/finish line after 2:30pm
• 50K - 1:00 pm. Runners will NOT be allowed to continue the race from the start/finish line after 1:00pm
• Course closed at 7:00 pm.

Post Race

Your registration includes a hot deliciious meal post race.

Awards

All 50K and 50M finishers recieve a unique Palo Duro belt buckle. All 25K finishers receive a unique Palo Duro hat. Overall and age groups awards are TBD.

Sponsors

Get Fit Amarillo Brooks OS1st Hyperlyte Pickle Juice

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are dogs allowed on course? For the safety of you and all participants no dogs are allowed on course.
• What should I bring? Essential items often include a hydration vest, refillable cup, your specific nutrition, and a light (50M racers), and sometimes a light jacket as it can be quite cool in the canyon before the sun rises.
• Do I need,trail-specific shoes? Highly recommended for better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, though not mandatory.
• Can I walk sections of the course? Yes, almost everyone walks at some point :) Trail running is more about experiencing and enjoying your the beautiful canyon surroundings than it is about getting your PR.
• Can I change by race distance? We allow participants to change distances up until race week. You can do this through our registration partner, UltraSignup. We do not offer refunds or credits to go down in distance, you will pay the difference to move up in distance. No race day changes! No rollovers or refunds, for any reason, including inclement weather!
• Do we allow trekking poles? Yes