Hippo Trail Fest

Event overview

The Hippo Trail Fest takes place on March 21, 2026, at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, Texas (3250 Limmer Loop Unit 3). The event is presented in partnership with the Hippo Social Club and Patriot Sports & Fitness and includes a mix of trail runs, ruck divisions, a youth run, and the Hippo Haul weight-carry race. Registration pages show a range of course options, from short youth and 5 km events to longer trail distances.

Distances offered include:

• 1 Mile (Youth)
• 5 km (including the Hippo Haul weight-carry event)
• 10 km (and a 10 km Ruck)
• Longer trail options, with entries listed for 20 miles and 50K

Course, rules and support

The course is built around a rolling, well-marked 6.5-mile loop with shortcuts for some shorter distances. Trails wind through forested sections, cross small creeks, include some exposed areas and occasional tight turns, and have bridges over larger creek gaps when needed. Course markings include orange caution tape, yellow arrow signs, and frequent confidence markers; signs at junctions indicate distance-specific turns.

Aid support includes two on-course aid stations plus a full start/finish station. 10K, half marathon and full marathon entrants will not go more than 2.5 miles without support; 5K runners have an on-course aid near halfway. Supplies listed include water, ice, grab-and-go snacks, fruit, sodas, Tailwind and electrolyte products.

Ruck division rules specify mandatory weights (20 lb if under 150 lb; 30 lb if over 150 lb), weigh-ins before start and at finish, weight carried on the back only, and no trekking poles. The Hippo Haul uses a 5 km loop with a roughly 10–15 lb concrete hippo and mandatory strength stations along the route. Chip timing is used; pacers are not allowed. Awards include Top 3 Overall and Top 1 Masters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.