Skip to content

Texas running, verified.

Affiliate disclosure
Kids 5K 10K Half Marathon Ultra Trail Walk Ruck
Colorado River Run 250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K • Kids 1K logo

Colorado River Run 250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K • Kids 1K

Date
Friday, November 27, 2026– Sunday, November 29, 2026
Nov 27 Friday, 2026
Registration open· closes Nov 27, 2026 Register Now

Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

When and where is Colorado River Run 250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K • Kids 1K?

Colorado River Run 250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K • Kids 1K is on Friday, November 27, 2026 through Sunday, November 29, 2026 in Cedar Creek, Texas. The first event starts at 8:00 AM local time. Distances: kids run, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, ultra, trail run, walk and Ruck. Current entry fees run $15 to $359.99 on RunSignup, before processing fees. Online registration is open and closes Nov 27, 2026.

Colorado River Run race guide

The Colorado River Run is a Fit Foundation trail weekend at McKinney Roughs Nature Park in Cedar Creek, east of Austin, over Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29, 2026. The 250K, 100 mile and 50 mile start Friday and the 50K, marathon, half, 10K and 5K run Saturday. Longer races use an 11.3-mile loop with 611 feet of gain.

Venue
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Main loop
11.3 mi, 611 ft gain
Ultras start
Friday, Nov 27
Shorter races
Saturday, Nov 28
Terrain
Single-track, dirt, some technical
Top award
Gladiator (sub-24 100M)

Colorado River Run FAQ

When and where is the Colorado River Run?

Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29, 2026, at McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 State Highway 71 West, Cedar Creek. The 250K, 100 mile and 50 mile start Friday, November 27; the 50K, marathon, half marathon, Double Turkey 10K, 5K and kids run are Saturday, November 28.

How much does the Colorado River Run cost?

Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: 250K $359.99; 100 Mile Run $229.99; 50 Mile Run $189.99; 50K $149.99; Marathon $139.99; Half Marathon $109.99; Half-Marathon Ruck $109.99; Double Turkey 10K $79.99. 4 more entries are listed in the events table.

What is the Colorado River Run course like?

The marathon and longer races run an 11.3-mile main loop with 611 feet of gain, after a shorter opening lap. Overnight (5 p.m. to 6 a.m.) the 50 mile, 100 mile and 250K switch to a 6.7-mile night loop. Terrain is single-track and dirt paths with some technical sections and moderate climbing.

What are the Colorado River Run cutoffs?

RunSignup lists the 250K cutoff at 7 a.m. Sunday, November 29, the 100 mile at 11:30 p.m. Saturday and the 50 mile at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The 50K and marathon close at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Can you have a pacer at the Colorado River Run?

Yes, in the 250K after mile 62, the 100 mile after mile 50 and the 50 mile after mile 30, one at a time, for a $15 fee. Pacers must be 18 or older (16–17 with parental consent), join and leave only at aid stations, and can’t carry supplies or physically help the runner.

Do Colorado River Run finishers get a buckle?

Every finisher gets a custom medal and ultra finishers get buckles. The top honor is the Gladiator Award, for finishing 100 miles in under 24 hours.

Do I need to pay park entry at McKinney Roughs?

Race registration includes park entry with a wristband handed out at packet pickup; bring cash for parking. Spectators pay $5, $3 for seniors 62 and older, and kids under 13 are free. Crew and spectator passes are also sold in the race store.

What are the Colorado River Run course records?

100 mile: Jeffrey Bergeron, 29:26:45. 50 mile: Andrea Fogliato, 8:35:56. 50K: Marcos Gonzalez, 6:08:58. Marathon: Elissa Schoening, 5:13:08. Half marathon: Jake Johnson, 1:32:01, and Hannah Lee Cullum, 1:54:49.

Can you camp at the Colorado River Run?

Only in the designated camping zones. Campfires are prohibited and animals are not allowed at the event. The race offers no refunds.

Race facts checked November 8, 2026 against RunSignup: Colorado River Run and Fit Foundation: Colorado River Run. Entry fees come from RunSignup. Always confirm details with the race before you travel.

Events & distances

EventDistanceStartEntry feeRegistration
250KUltraNov 27, 2026, 8:00 AM$359.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Aug 17, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
100 Mile Run100 MilesNov 27, 2026, 9:00 AM$229.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
50 Mile Run50 MilesNov 27, 2026, 9:00 AM$189.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) Half-MarathonHalfNov 28, 2026, 8:00 AM$35.00 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Oct 15, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Exceptional Athlete Guide—Nov 28, 2026, 8:00 AM$0.00 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Oct 15, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
50K31 MilesNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$149.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Marathon26.2 MilesNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$139.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Half Marathon13.1 MilesNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$109.99 until Nov 27, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 27, 2026
Half-Marathon RuckHalfNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$109.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Aug 18, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Double Turkey 10K6.2 MilesNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$79.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 3, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Double Turkey 5K Run/Walk5KNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$59.99 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Dec 6, 2025 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Kids Run5KNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$15.00 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Aug 25, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) 5K5KNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$25.00 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Oct 15, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) 10K10KNov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM$25.00 until Nov 26, 2026Opens Oct 15, 2026 · Closes Nov 26, 2026

Fees shown are the RunSignup price tier in effect now, before processing fees. Times are local to the race.

About Colorado River Run 250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K • Kids 1K

COLORADO RIVER RUN

Run to the River

"Out here on these trails, not all who wander are lost, some are simply finding their strength."

250K

100 MILES

50 MILES

50K & MARATHON

HALF MARATHON

10K & 5K

An invigorating trail adventure at McKinney Roughs Park

Connect with Nature, Challenge Your Endurance

Set along the scenic banks and trails surrounding the majestic Colorado River at McKinney Roughs Park, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while testing your limits. Run through diverse landscapes, including riverbanks, rugged trails, and serene natural habitats as you embrace the spirit of outdoor adventure.

The Colorado River Run promises to be a memorable experience for runners and nature enthusiasts alike. The course layout is designed to highlight the river's most picturesque spots while providing a challenging terrain for runners of all levels, from competitive athletes seeking to set personal records to recreational runners looking for a unique trail experience.

Register by November 7, 2026 to guarantee your race shirt!

Click here to purchase your crew and/or spectator/visitors pass

Race Distances

250K Ultramarathon

Start Time: 7:00 AM (11/27)

Cut-off: 7:00 AM (11/29)

Beyond 100 miles — our most extreme distance for experienced ultra runners only. A single finish gets you the Rio Colorado Ultra Slam buckle.

100 Mile Ultramarathon

Start Time: 9:00 AM (11/27)

Cut-off: 11:30 PM (11/28)

The ultimate river trail adventure for endurance athletes

50 Mile Ultramarathon

Start Time: 9:00 AM (11/27)

Cut-off: 9:30 PM (11/28)

Challenge yourself with breathtaking river views

50K & Marathon (26.2 miles)

Start Time: 9:00 AM (11/28)

Cut-off: 8:30 PM

Classic distance with unforgettable scenery

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Start Time: 9:00 AM (11/28)

Cut-off: 5:00 PM

Perfect distance to enjoy the river trails

10K (6.2 miles) | 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles)

Start Time: 9:00 AM (11/28)

Cut-off: 5:00 PM

Family-friendly option - children can accompany registered parents for free!

Fit Foundation in partnership with Fitworks

Exceptional Athlete Division

Your path. Your pace. Your run.

Fit Foundation welcomes athletes with exceptional abilities at every race. Register as a Fitworks Adaptive Athlete, choose your course, and take the time you need to finish.

Events and Fees

EventFee
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) 5K$25
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) 10K$25
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) Half-Marathon$35
Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) Marathon$35
Guide or companion (one per athlete)Free

Every fee includes your bib, chip timing, aid stations, and finisher medal.

Choose Your Course

Adapted Course
An accessible 1-3 mile loop near the start/finish area, repeated to reach your distance. Frequent aid and support every lap.
Main Course
Run the same course as the full field, with the time accommodations below.

You pick your course when you register and may switch until race-morning check-in closes.

Take the Time You Need

  • Early start: start as early as up to 1 hour before the main field.
  • Extended cutoff: Significantly more time than the standard cutoff.
  • The extended cutoff never runs past park closing or sunset.

Every Finish Counts

  • Every finisher receives the same finisher medal as the full field.
  • You are listed in the Exceptional Athlete results for your distance.
  • Your distance counts toward the 250K Club and Run the River.

You Are Never Alone Out There

A sweeper or Fitworks buddy stays with athletes on the main course after the standard cutoff. Check in by bib number at each aid station, carry a phone with the race director's number saved, and our finish line stays open until every Exceptional Athlete is in.

How to register: choose your Exceptional Athlete (Fitworks) event, confirm the honor statement, and answer the course and early start questions. No medical documents are needed. Running with a guide? Add them as a free Guide registration.

Questions? Contact us below.

Course Description

Scenic River Trails

The course is designed to highlight the Colorado River's most picturesque spots while providing a challenging terrain for runners. You'll experience diverse landscapes, including riverbanks, rugged trails, and serene natural habitats.

Fully Supported Adventure

Fully stocked aid stations along the course, providing hydration, nutrition, and medical assistance to ensure your safety and well-being. Our eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and the use of sustainable materials, minimize the event's environmental footprint.

Course Records:

100 Miles: Jeffrey Bergeron (M) 29:26:45

50 Miles: Andrea Fogliato (M) 8:35:56

50K: Marcos Gonzalez (M) 6:08:58

Marathon: Elissa Schoening 5:13:08

Half-Marathon: Jake Johnson (M) 1:32:03, Hannah Lee Cullum (F) 1:54:49

What You'll Experience

  • Terrain: Mix of single-track trails, dirt paths, and occasional technical sections
  • Scenery: Stunning river views, natural habitats, and diverse ecosystems
  • Elevation: Moderate with some challenging climbs and descents
  • Support: Well-stocked aid stations with friendly volunteers
  • Community: Welcoming atmosphere for runners of all abilities

Rio Colorado Ultra Slam

Every Fit Foundation finish counts toward the Rio Colorado Ultra Slam. Complete 250 km across our 2026 races and the buckle is yours, in addition to your individual race awards.

Ready for 100 Miles?

Access your complete 100-mile training plan to prepare for this epic adventure!

ACCESS TRAINING PLAN

What's Included

Custom Finisher Medal (Buckle for Ultra Distances)

Unique medal for all finishers and buckles for ultra-distance runners.

A single 250K finish also qualifies you for the Ultra slam buckle outright.

Aid Stations

Fully stocked with nutrition and hydration. Our main aid station at the start/finish hub is fully stocked with hot food, fruit, pickle juice, cold drinks, and more. This is your primary fueling point each loop. On-course aid stations provide water and light supplies to keep you moving between loops. Plan to refuel at the hub each time you come through.

Support

On-course and at finish line

Pacing Allowed for Ultra Distances

Pacers are allowed for the 250K (after mile 62), 100 Mile Run (after mile 50), and 50 Mile Run (after mile 30) to provide safety and encouragement during later stages. One pacer per runner is permitted on course at any time. Pacers must register at the designated check-in area, sign a waiver, pay a $15 fee, and wear an official "PACER" bib. Pacers must be 18+ (16-17 with parental consent), can only enter/exit at aid stations, and cannot provide physical assistance or carry the runner's supplies. Pacers may switch at any aid station but must check in with station personnel. Pacers are only eligible for water and emergency medical support at aid stations.

Family-Friendly 5K Option

Parents are welcome to run or walk the 5K course with their young children at no additional cost!

Organized in partnership with Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park. Proceeds support HKRS Cedar Park youth running programs.

Children MUST be registered to participate

Volunteer Opportunities

We Need Help With:

  • Course Marshals
  • Aid Station Support
  • Registration/Packet Pickup Assistants

All Volunteers Receive:

  • Race shirt
  • Snacks
  • Community service hours
  • Future race credit

Shifts Available:

  • Morning: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Evening: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Email: info@atxactive.com to volunteer

Ready for Your Colorado River Adventure?

Join us for this unique trail experience along the scenic banks of the Colorado River. Challenge your endurance and connect with nature!

REGISTER NOW!

Fit Foundation

Half Marathon Ruck

13.1 miles. Same trail. Weight on your back.

Rucking is covering ground with a loaded pack. Same course as the half marathon, same start, same finish line, same cutoff. The only difference is what you are carrying and who you are racing.

Ruckers are scored as their own division with their own results and their own awards. You are not competing against the runners and they are not competing against you.

Minimum pack weight

20 lb · 30 lb

20 lb if you weigh under 150 lb. 30 lb if you weigh 150 lb or over.

The rules

  • Weigh in before the start. Bring your pack to the start area at least 30 minutes before your wave. We weigh it, we tag it, you go.
  • Water does not count. Your hydration, food, phone and layers are on top of the minimum. The weight is dry weight.
  • Any weight is fine. Ruck plates, bricks, sand, books, dumbbells. It has to be secure and it has to stay in the pack for the whole course.
  • You finish with what you started with. Weight is checked again at the finish. Anything under the minimum moves you out of the ruck division.
  • Carry it yourself. No handing your pack off, no dragging, no wheels.
  • Run, walk, or anything between. There is no rule about how you move, only about what you carry.
  • Rucking counts toward your Run the River mileage exactly the same as running. Thirteen point one miles is thirteen point one miles.

First time rucking?

A loaded pack on a trail is harder than the same distance on your feet, and most people go out too quick. A few things that help:

  • Train with the weight before race day. Even two or three loaded walks makes a difference to your shoulders.
  • Get the load high and tight against your back. Weight that sits low and swings will wreck you by mile six.
  • Wear the socks and shoes you have already tested. Rucking changes how your feet hit the ground.
  • Pack the weight so it cannot shift. Movement inside the pack is the most common reason people stop.

Same trail. Same finish line.

Considerably more of it on your back.

McKinney Roughs

Colorado River Run

Runner Course Guide

250K • 100 Mile • 50 Mile • 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon & Ruck • 10K • 5K

How it works

Every event starts with short opening laps near the start/finish. Anyone running a marathon or longer then joins the same 11.3-mile Main Loop (about 2h 5m, 611 ft of gain). One loop, one aid station layout, one timing setup. From 5pm to 6am, the 50 Mile, 100 Mile and 250K runners switch to the shorter 6.7-mile Night Loop.

Your Race at a Glance

EventOpening lapsMain LoopsTotal
5K2 × 1.6 mi–3.2 mi
10K4 × 1.6 mi–6.4 mi
Half Marathon & Ruck2 × 6.7 mi–13.4 mi
Marathon3.7 mi226.3 mi
50K6.7 + 1.6 mi230.9 mi
50 Mile3 × 1.6 mi

Main Loop by day
Night Loop 5pm–6am

50+ mi
100 Mile6.7 + 1.6 + 1.6 mi

Main Loop by day
Night Loop 5pm–6am

100+ mi
250K6.7 + 1.6 mi

Main Loop by day
Night Loop 5pm–6am

155+ mi

Ultra totals are “at least” distances: you finish at the first start/finish crossing that reaches your target (50 mi, 100 mi, 250K). Night Loop laps are 6.7 mi instead of 11.3 mi, so ultra runners complete more laps than the daytime count alone. Marathon and 50K run the Main Loop only.

The Four Loops & GPX Downloads

Opening lap

5K Route

1.6 mi • 16 min • flat

5K, 10K, and the short opening lap for the 50K, 50 Mile, 100 Mile and 250K.

View route & GPX

Opening lap

CRR 3.7

3.7 mi • 37 min • 59 ft gain

The marathon opening lap.

View route & GPX

Opening lap • Half & Ruck • Night Loop 5pm–6am

Half Marathon x2 / Night Loop

6.7 mi • 1h 10m • 523 ft gain

Run twice for the Half & Ruck. Long opening lap for the 50K, 100 Mile and 250K. Also the Night Loop for ultra runners from 5pm to 6am.

View route & GPX

The backbone • Marathon and longer

Colorado River Run Main Loop

11.3 mi • 2h 5m • 611 ft gain

Everyone past the opening laps runs this same loop.

View route & GPX

To download a GPX file, open the route and choose Export GPX (Strava may ask you to log in).

Rules of the Course

1

Opening laps first, then the Main Loop. After your opening laps, you join everyone else on the same loop.

2

Distance adjustments happen at the start. For the 5K through 50K, the small 0.1 to 0.3 mi differences are made in the opening laps with a cone-marked turnaround near start/finish. The Main Loop is never altered.

3

Know your lap count. Marathon and 50K run 2 Main Loops. Ultra runners count both Main Loops and Night Loops. Confirm your tally at every timing mat.

4

Follow the flagging. One course means one set of markers. If you can't see a flag, turn around and go back to the last one you saw.

5

Night Loop, 5pm to 6am (50 Mile, 100 Mile, 250K). Switch loops only at start/finish. If you cross start/finish before 5pm, start a Main Loop and finish it, even if it runs past 5pm. If you cross at or after 5pm, start a Night Loop (6.7 mi). At 6am, your next crossing puts you back on the Main Loop. Nobody is redirected mid-loop.

6

Your mileage is your laps added up. Opening laps, plus 11.3 mi per Main Loop, plus 6.7 mi per Night Loop. Timing mats keep your running total.

7

Finish at your target distance. You are done at the first start/finish crossing that reaches 50 mi, 100 mi or 250K, so your final distance may be slightly over.

8

Night safety. Carry a headlamp and a backup light from 5pm to 6am.

Aid & Timing

Aid stations and timing mats sit in the same place on every Main Loop and Night Loop lap, so you will see the same layout each time. Plan your drop bag, fuel and crew around the start/finish area.

Description provided by the race organizer via RunSignup.

Race data provided by RunSignup and refreshed every morning(last sync Nov 12, 2026). Registration happens on RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Always confirm dates and details on the official race page.

More races near Cedar Creek

Other upcoming running events in this area.

Blog & Dispatch

Training and gear for race day

All stories