Hippo Trail Fest

Overview

Hippo Trail Fest takes place on March 21, 2026, at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, Texas (3250 Limmer Loop Unit 3). The event includes trail running, ruck races, a youth 1-mile run, and the Hippo Haul, a 5 km weight-carry race. The Hippo Social Club facilities on site include mobility and stretching resources, cold plunge pools, a sauna, and space for vendors, live music, food trucks, and family activities. The event follows Leave No Trace principles; littering can result in disqualification and participants must bring their own cup or water bottle for aid stations.

Distances

• 50K
• 20 miles
• 10 miles
• 10k
• 5k
• 10k Ruck
• 13.1 mile Ruck
• 10 mile Ruck
• Hippo Haul (5 km weight-carry race)
• Youth 1 Mile (12 and under)

Course and logistics

The course is a well-marked, mainly wooded 5-mile loop used for multiple laps. The 10k is two laps of a 5k route with a shortcut option; the 50k begins with a 1.1 mile lap then six 5-mile laps. Trails are soft and rolling with some tight turns, creek crossings with bridges over larger gaps, and only modest elevation change. Aid station support is frequent - no more than 3 miles between stations - with drinks, grab-and-go snacks, electrolyte products, and finish-line refreshments. The event is chip timed with ankle-mounted chips. Pacers are not allowed. Ruck division rules require a 20 lb weight for participants under 150 lb and 30 lb for those over 150 lb, mandatory weigh-ins, and that weight be carried in a backpack on the back. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.