Labor Day Trail Challenge Marathon
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Labor Day Trail Challenge
The Labor Day Trail Challenge takes place at McKinney Roughs Nature Park in Cedar Creek, Texas, on 09/04/2027. The event uses single-track trails and fire roads through Lost Pines, with river overlooks and up to 469 ft of rolling elevation gain. The course crosses four ecosystems: Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a riparian corridor that supports more than 250 bird species.
Aid stations are placed on course and a main start/finish hub is stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, hot food, fruit, pickle juice, and cold drinks. The event is chip timed on applicable distances. Finishers in the half marathon, marathon, 50K, and 50 mile receive a custom rodeo-style belt buckle, an event shirt, and a finisher medal. Overall winners in each distance receive plaques, and ultra champions including Last Runner Standing and top finishers in the 50K and 50 mile earn an eagle trophy.
Distances and formats include:
- Gauntlet: Last Runner Standing, repeated two mile loop with laps added every eight hours
- 50 Mile ultra distance
- 50K ultra distance
- Marathon, 26.2 Miles
- Half Marathon, 13.1 Miles
- Half Marathon Ruck, 13.1 Miles, minimum pack weight 20 or 30 lb
- 8 Hour Run Walk, solo and relay options
The Half Marathon Ruck uses the same trail and cutoff as the half marathon. Ruck rules require dry weight verification before the start and at the finish, and the pack must be carried by the participant for the entire course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
