Hippo Trail Fest

Event overview

Hippo Trail Fest is a trail race day on March 21, 2026, held at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, TX (3250 Limmer Loop Unit 3). The event includes multiple trail running and ruck events, a youth run, and the Hippo Haul weight-carry race. During the weekend there are Friday evening activities and a full race day on Saturday. A $10 land use fee is collected during registration. Packet pickup and on-site amenities are provided at the race hub. There is no on-site camping.

Distances

• 1 Mile Youth run (12 and under)
• 5K trail run
• 10K trail run
• 13.1 miles (half marathon)
• 26.2 miles (marathon)
• 10K Ruck
• 13.1 miles Ruck
• Hippo Haul (5 km weight carry)

Course and race logistics

The course uses a well-marked rolling 6.5 mile loop with shortcuts for the 10K and 5K. Routes run on soft forest trails with some open sections, small creeks, bridges over larger gaps, and occasional tight turns. Aid support includes two on-course stations and a full start/finish aid station so 10K, half and full participants will not go more than 2.5 miles without support. Drop bag service is not offered; runners may leave personal items near the race hub but not in the start/finish chute.

Ruck rules require a mandatory weigh-in before the start and at the finish: 20 lb if under 150 lb, 30 lb if over 150 lb. Weight must be carried on the back in a backpack-style ruck; consumables and shoulder or chest carriage are not allowed. The Hippo Haul assigns each participant a ~10-15 lb concrete hippo to carry and includes mandatory stations with prescribed movements along the loop. Timing uses chip timing on an ankle strap and results show gun time and chip time. Pacers are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.