Palo Duro Trail Run

Lake Tanglewood, United States • 17 Oct 2026

Palo Duro Trail Run - October 17, 2026

The Palo Duro Trail Run is the 41st annual trail race held in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas. The event uses a looped course that returns to the start/finish area and includes a mix of rolling singletrack, sand, and rock with short steep and technical ascents and descents. The race is scheduled in mid October when temperatures can vary widely during the day, from near freezing to over 100 degrees.

Distances offered:

  • 50 Miler
  • 50 Mile Pacer
  • 50K
  • 25K

All registered participants receive a long sleeve technical shirt. Packet pickup takes place at local locations in Amarillo and Canyon before race day, and there is race day packet pickup at the start/finish area.

Aid stations and on-course support are organized as follows: four fully stocked aid stations with water, soda, pickle juice, Hyperlyte Liquid Performance, and a variety of salty and sweet foods including boiled salted potatoes and PB&J. The race is cupless: runners must carry their own hydration system; volunteers will refill bladders and bottles but no disposable cups are provided.

Pacer rules apply only to the 50 mile distance on its final lap. Pacers must accompany runners on foot, register and sign a waiver, use the designated drop bag area, and only one pacer is allowed on the last lap.

Finish awards and post-race provisions: all 50K and 50M finishers receive a Palo Duro belt buckle, 25K finishers receive a Palo Duro hat, and registration includes a hot post-race meal. The 2026 race is designated an EAST year. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 mi
50 Miler
50 km
50k
25 km
25k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Test your endurance on a 4-mile technical loop in Palo Duro Canyon. Choose a 3-hour or 6-hour solo challenge, or form a relay team. This cupless, fixed-time event counts only fully completed laps.

Experience the geological beauty of Palo Duro Canyon at Merus Adventure Park. Run through red dirt and sandstone across distances ranging from a 5k to a 52.4 mile ultra marathon.

Experience the rugged terrain of Claude Texas at the Conquer the Canyon Trail Race. With distances ranging from 5k to 100k plus a youth run there is a trail course for every distance preference.

A 5K mud and obstacle run at Bowers MX in Amarillo on October 10, 2026 with Adult and KIDZ Family waves, required signed waiver and photo ID for adults, no refunds, and a spectator fee for festival area access.