Hippo Trail Fest

Saturday, March 20, 2027, rain or shine, at Hippo Social Club, 3250 Limmer Loop, Hutto. Starts: 50K 7:30 a.m.; 20 mile, 10 mile and 10-mile ruck 7:40; 10K, 10K ruck and 5K 7:50; Hippo Haul 8:00; youth mile 10:30.

Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: Hippo Trail Fest 50K $117 ($127 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 20mi $105 ($110 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 10mi Ruck $102 ($112 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 10mi $97 ($107 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 10k Ruck $80 ($85 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 10k $75 ($80 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest - Hippo Haul 5k $65 ($70 from December 21); Hippo Trail Fest 5k $60 ($65 from December 21). Prices in parentheses are the next RunSignup tier.

A well-marked, rolling 5-mile loop of soft forest trail with small creeks and bridges, little elevation change and a few sunny open stretches. The 10 mile is two laps and the 20 mile four.

A 5K carrying a concrete hippo of about 5–10 pounds, with obstacles like burpees and tire flips every quarter to half mile.

You must be on your last lap by 4 p.m., and the course closes at 5:30 p.m.

Full aid just past halfway and at the start/finish, with snacks, fruit, water, sodas, SaltStick and Tailwind. It’s cupless and there’s no drop-bag service.

The club’s cold plunge, sauna, food and drinks are open to racers and spectators, and a Recharge Zone offers a free cold plunge, sauna and stretching. Registration includes a $10 land-use fee and supports Keep Hutto Beautiful.

At least 20 pounds for ruckers under 150 pounds and 30 pounds over, weighed at pickup and the finish, with no trekking poles. Ruck finishers get a patch and a medal.