Rodeo Trail Run of Austin: Half-Marathon, Marathon Ultra, 8-HR & Backyard Ultra

🐎  Rodeo Half-Marathon, Marathon Ultra and Backyard Ultra  🐎

Saddle Up. Run Hard. Run the Trails.

Earn the buckle. Be part of something gritty and real.

Race Weekend: March 13, 2027

Prices increase as spots fill.

🤠 Two Rodeos. One City. Endless Grit.

Come March 2027, while Austin celebrates cowboys, concerts, and competition at  Rodeo Austin , a different kind of rodeo will unfold on the trails.

Welcome to the Rodeo Trail Run of Austin , where effort matters, the terrain tests you, and every finisher earns a custom rodeo-style buckle.

🦬 The Bull – Technical Course Segment

Some sections of the course are rocky, steep, and technical, earning its nickname for a reason. Runners will tackle a challenging course featuring:

Loose and exposed rock Short but steep climbs and descents Uneven footing that rewards patience and smart pacing The elevation profile reflects frequent grade changes, making the technical segments as much about control and durability as speed. This is a true test of:

Foot placement Mental focus Trail toughness Respect the Bull — it adds up lap after lap.

THE MAIN EVENT: THE RODEO HALF-MARATHON & MARATHON ULTRA

This is a no-frills, honest trail half-marathon and marathon ultra on classic Texas Hill Country terrain. Rolling dirt roads, rugged footing, wide skies, and a course that rewards steady grit over hype.

Whether you’re racing hard or running strong, this is a course that feels earned.

Half Marathon and Marathon Ultra Details:

Distance: Half marathon and ultra marathon, 28 miles (trail) Start Time: 9:00 AM Fully stocked aid stations Finisher recognition for every runner Custom participant shirt Rodeo-inspired atmosphere (without the chaos) Field is capped. Prices increase soon.

Registered runners for the Rodeo Half Marathon (March 13) receive a free, trail-specific 12-week training plan, built for Hill Country terrain.

BONUS EVENT: 🔁 RODEO BACKYARD ULTRA (LIMITED FIELD)

At the Rodeo Backyard Ultra , the 4.167-mile (6.706 km) out and back course is the bull , and every hour, runners have to ride that bull again by completing a lap before the hour ends. When the next hour begins, the bull comes charging back out… and the runner has to saddle up once more.

Backyard Ultra runners will complete their segment as an out-and-back each lap, returning the same way they came. Expect the terrain to feel very different on the way back.

This is a small, gritty, invitational-style Backyard Ultra capped at 20-25 runners. If the field doesn’t fill, the event will convert to a timed endurance format.

Just like in the arena, this race tests endurance, grit, and heart,  seeing how long you can "stay on." The event keeps going until there's only one runner left: the Last One Standing.

Note: This is a sanctioned 'Backyard' meaning, runners' results are officially tracked in the global database and on t he Path to Big's.

The 8-HOUR TIMED RUN.

Same 4.167-mile loop. Same 9:00 AM start. But instead of chasing a set distance, you're chasing the clock. Run as many loops as you can before 5:00 PM, that's 8 hours of trail, grit, and whatever you've got left in the tank.

Here's the rundown: • Course: 4.167-mile loop at Grelle Recreation Area • Start: 9:00 AM CDT • Cutoff: 5:00 PM (8 hours sharp) • Format: Completed loops only, run, rest, repeat • Awards: Finisher buckle for everyone who completes at least 3 loops • No participant cap

This sits right alongside our Half Marathon, Marathon Ultra, and Backyard Ultra, so whether you want a set distance or an all-day adventure, we've got a saddle for you.

Ride hard. Run harder. 🤠

How It Works

Each hour, runners start a 4.167-mile loop ( "the bull" ). Finish within the hour to stay in the race. Any leftover time is your rest, until the bell rings again. Miss the cutoff, and you're "bucked from the bull." The race continues until only one cowboy or cowgirl remains standing.

Runner’s buckle awarded for completing 3 loops (13+ miles)

🐎 How It Works — With Marathon Option

If you don’t finish a loop within the 60-minute cutoff, you’re officially “bucked from the bull” in the Backyard division. BUT… Instead of heading home, you can drop down into the Half-Marathon Division and continue running loops until you complete 13.1 miles. That means: Backyard runners compete for Last One Standing Dropped runners can still finish strong with a full half-marathon completion No wasted miles. No early exit from the party. 🤠

Course & Experience Highlights

The Chute (Starting Corral)

Each hour begins in the "chute," where runners line up like rodeo riders waiting for the next bull. When the cowbell rings, it's time to ride.

The Roper's Turnaround

At the halfway point, runners must lasso a post before returning, symbolizing "roping the bull." This ritual, called The Catch , keeps the cowboy spirit alive with every loop.

To verify, each runner moves their token (washer, chip, or bracelet) on a pegboard when they rope successfully, a simple, reliable self-check system.

The Watering Hole (Aid Station)

Recharge at the Chuckwagon with hydration, fuel, and friendly faces before the next ride.

🔔 The Arena (Finish Area)

When you finish a loop, ring the cowbell to announce your successful ride. The echo of cowbells fills camp, a sound that says another bull's been tamed.

⭐ READY TO RIDE? ⭐ Join us for Austin's most unique trail half-marathon, marathon ultra and backyard ultra experience!

This event is not affiliated with Rodeo Austin. Organized in partnership with Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park. Proceeds support HKRS Cedar Park youth running programs.