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

Event	Fee
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

Event	Opening laps	Main Loops	Total
5K	2 × 1.6 mi	–	3.2 mi
10K	4 × 1.6 mi	–	6.4 mi
Half Marathon & Ruck	2 × 6.7 mi	–	13.4 mi
Marathon	3.7 mi	2	26.3 mi
50K	6.7 + 1.6 mi	2	30.9 mi
50 Mile	3 × 1.6 mi	Main Loop by day Night Loop 5pm–6am	50+ mi
100 Mile	6.7 + 1.6 + 1.6 mi	Main Loop by day Night Loop 5pm–6am	100+ mi
250K	6.7 + 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.