
From the Organizer
Lake Bastrop — Bastrop, Texas
5K • HALF MARATHON • MARATHON • 6HR • 12HR • 24HR • 10-MILE • RUCK
Kick off the new year on the trails. The Lost Pines Endurance Challenge is a brand-new multi-distance trail event set among the towering loblolly pines and shimmering lakeside views of Lake Bastrop. Whether you're chasing your first 5K finish, grinding through a full marathon, testing your limits over 24 hours of running, or loading up the ruck and grinding it out, there's a place for you at the start line.
The course follows the scenic North-South Trailway, an out-and-back route that winds through one of Central Texas's most beautiful and resilient landscapes, the famous Lost Pines. Expect rolling terrain, packed-dirt singletrack, pine-needle-cushioned stretches, and glimpses of Lake Bastrop through the trees. It's runnable, it's gorgeous, and in January, the cool Central Texas air makes it just about perfect.
We built this race for everyone. First-timer? Welcome. Ultra veteran? Let's go. Rucker with a loaded pack? We've got your division. This is a weekend to push your limits, support each other, and celebrate what your body can do.
North-South Trailway — Out & Back
The North-South Trailway connects Lake Bastrop's South Shore and North Shore parks, curving and climbing gently through dense pine forest, past scenic lake overlooks, and across a series of bridges that span the park's creeks and inlets. The trail surface is a mix of packed dirt, sand, and rock with gentle rolling elevation changes, technical enough to feel like real trail running, forgiving enough to keep you moving.
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Terrain Packed dirt, sand, rock, pine needles. Rolling hills. Well-marked and well-maintained. |
Scenery Towering loblolly pines, lake views, creek crossings, quiet forest. One of Texas's most unique ecosystems. |
January Mornings in the 40s–50s°F. Afternoons 50s–60s°F. Headlamps required after dark. |
Something for every runner, every goal, every pace.
▲ Saturday
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5K TRAIL 5K |
13.1 HALF MARATHON |
26.2 MARATHON |
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6HR ENDURANCE |
12HR ENDURANCE |
24HR ENDURANCE |
▲ Sunday
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10MI TRAIL 10-MILER |
12-Hour & 24-Hour events continue through Sunday | |
▲ Ruck Division
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5K RUCK |
13.1 HALF MARATHON RUCK |
Two days in the Lost Pines. Make a weekend out of it.
MLK Weekend means a long weekend for many, perfect for making a trip out of it. Lake Bastrop South Shore Park has cabins, RV hookups, and tent camping right in the park, so you can wake up steps from the start line. Bastrop's charming downtown is just minutes away for post-race food, drinks, and exploring.
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Saturday Race Day One ▸ 5K, Half Marathon & Marathon |
Sunday Race Day Two ▸ 10-Mile Trail Run |
The Lost Pines Endurance Challenge was built from the ground up to be the kind of race where everyone feels at home. We want the first-timer to feel the same energy and support as the seasoned ultra runner. We want the rucker grinding under a loaded pack to get the same cheers as the 5K finisher crossing the line with a huge grin. This is a community event, and you're part of it the moment you sign up.
Timed events (6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour) are perfect for runners who want to set their own pace and see how far they can go. Run as many out-and-back laps as you can within your time window. Walk when you need to. Sit at the aid station for a minute. Then get back out there. Every mile counts.
MLK Weekend. Lake Bastrop South Shore. Pine trees, lake views, and the kind of challenge that reminds you what you're capable of.
We'll see you at the start line. 🌲
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Storehouse Stride 5K
Medal Madness 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Cypress, TX (26)
Run for Chocolate 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK
Run for Breast Cancer 5K/10K/13.1 DALLAS FORT WORTH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Lost Pines 5K • 10-Mile • Half Marathon • Full Marathon • 6HR • 12HR • 24HR • Ruck
Jan 16, 2027