Hippo Trail Fest

Hippo Trail Fest, Hutto TX

Hippo Trail Fest takes place at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, Texas on March 19, 2027. The event features multiple trail running distances, ruck divisions, a youth mile, and the Hippo Haul weight carry race. Everything happens around a rolling, well marked 5 mile loop on soft, forested trails with some creek crossings, short ups and downs, and occasional tight turns. Longer distances use repeated laps of the main loop and a shortcut option exists for the 5k and 10k.

Aid station support is provided at the main race hub and at a midloop station with snacks, water, soda, electrolyte products, and other basic supplies. The event is cupless so participants should bring a reusable cup or bottle; collapsible cups will be available for purchase at packet pickup.

Ruck rules require a 20 lb weight for participants under 150 pounds and 30 lb for those over 150 pounds. Weigh ins are mandatory before the start and at the finish. Weight must be carried on the back in a backpack style ruck; sling bags and trekking poles are not allowed. Finishers in ruck divisions receive a patch and finisher medal.

The Hippo Haul runs on the 5 km loop and uses a 5 to 10 pound concrete hippo as the carried weight. Mandatory challenge stations appear along the loop with activities such as burpees and tire flips. Course markings include caution tape, yellow arrows, confidence markers and distance signs. The event follows Leave No Trace principles and restricts ear covering headphones to bone conduction or single ear pieces with transparency mode. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.