Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K logo
Running

Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K

Date
October 24, 2026
Distance
Golden 50K · Gold Marathon · Gold 1/2 Marathon & more
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From the Organizer

FIELDS OF GOLD TRAIL RUN

 

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area - A Celebration of Fall's Golden Glory

Race photo

 

Location: 706 County Road 343A, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Terrain: Rolling hills, meadow trails, and lakeside paths
Benefits: HKRS Cedar Park Youth Running Programs

Experience the breathtaking transformation of Texas Hill Country as autumn paints the landscape in brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson. The Fields of Gold Trail Run offers runners an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular fall scenery in Central Texas.

RACE OPTIONS

12-Hour Endurance Challenge, 50K and Marathon (26.2 miles)

The ultimate autumn challenge featuring diverse terrain through golden grasslands, wooded valleys, and scenic overlooks

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Perfect for experiencing the best of fall foliage on a challenging yet achievable course

10K Trail Run

A scenic route showcasing the park's most photogenic autumn vistas

5K Harvest Fun Run

Family-friendly course through golden meadows, perfect for all ages and abilities

12-Hour Endurance Challenge

Start Time: 9:00 AM
Cut-off: 12-hour continuous endurance challenge
Winner determined by total miles covered
No set distance - push your personal limits
Aid stations and support provided

Gold Hour Endurance Challenge

Run into the Golden Hour.

As the sun lowers over the Texas fields and the light turns gold, the trail comes alive.

The Gold Hour Trail Challenge is a 60-minute endurance test set on a scenic 4-mile out-and-back course. When the horn sounds, runners will have one hour to cover as much distance as possible — pushing toward the turnaround and racing the light back to the finish. Run hard. Settle into rhythm. Or chase one more lap before time expires.

 

Night Trail Running Safety
Your safety is our priority during this trail event. Participants running the dark hours must have:

  • Headlamp (required) - with fresh batteries
  • Backup light source (recommended)
  • Reflective clothing or vest
  • Personal hydration system
  • Cell phone for emergency communications

 

 

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL

Peak Fall Colors: Timed perfectly to coincide with autumn's most spectacular display when native grasses turn golden and trees showcase their fall brilliance

Fields of Gold: Run through expansive meadows of native Texas grasses that shimmer like gold in the autumn sunlight

Harvest Celebration: Post-race festivities 

 

                   A RUN WITH PURPOSE: Supporting HKRS Cedar Park Youth Programs

Limited financial resources, lack of access to youth sports programs, social isolation, and barriers to healthy lifestyle activities are just some of the challenges young people face in accessing running programs. Through HKRS Cedar Park's 5-week fall and spring racing series, mentorship opportunities, and having a supportive community presence, HKRS Cedar Park helps kids build confidence, develop healthy habits, and overcome obstacles to active living.

HKRS Cedar Park is part of a nationally recognized organization. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit it offers registration assistance to ensure all children can participate regardless of their family's financial situation, and anyone can access their programs including families new to running. All of their programs are welcoming, inclusive, and tailored to each individual child's age and ability level. Your money helps to do this.

You can donate directly to HKRS Cedar Park here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/TX/CedarPark/HKRSCedarParkTX

After deducting expenses, all remaining proceeds from the Fields of Gold Trail Run will benefit HKRS Cedar Park's youth running programs. Your participation directly supports:

  • Registration assistance for families who cannot afford program fees
  • Essential equipment including race bibs, timing equipment, and safety materials
  • Program expansion to reach more children in the Cedar Park community
  • Volunteer training and coordinator development
  • Community outreach to underserved families

"When you run through these golden fields, you're not just covering miles — you're helping ensure every child in Cedar Park has the opportunity to experience the joy of running and develop lifelong healthy habits!"

 

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

USATF Masters Half Marathon Championship
  • Lakeview, Osprey, Equine, Legacy Loop: Run through expansive fields of native grasses at their autumn peak
  • Scenic Overlook Ridge: Panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country in full fall splendor
  • Osprey and Odyssey Trail: Peaceful wooded sections with fall foliage reflected in clear running water
  • Homestead finish: Timed finish to capture the golden hour light across the fields

 

RACE EXPERIENCE

All participants receive a custom harvest-themed finisher's medal, race shirt featuring original autumn artwork, and access to the post-race celebration. Aid stations feature seasonal favorites like apple cider, pumpkin cookie bites, and warming beverages.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

  • Custom finisher medal
  • Race shirt
  • Post-race harvest celebration
  • Scenic course through peak autumn landscape

 

Event Management: The Fields of Gold Trail Run is managed and organized by Fit Foundation volunteers in aid of Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park youth programs.

Note: Due to the seasonal nature of fall foliage, this event is scheduled during peak color time. Trail conditions are weather-dependent, and routes may be adjusted to protect natural areas.

 

                                                    ★★★ REGISTER TODAY! ★★★

                              RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS GOLDEN AUTUMN ADVENTURE

Where every mile supports young runners and celebrates fall's most beautiful colors!

SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS UNIQUE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY EXPERIENCE!

 

Events

Golden 50K9 AMRegister →
Gold Marathon9 AMRegister →
Gold 1/2 Marathon9 AMRegister →
Gold 12-Hour Endurance9 AMRegister →
Gold 10K9 AMRegister →
Golden Hour5:45 PMRegister →
Golden Hour 5K (Morning)7:40 AMRegister →
Golden Hour 5K (Night)5:15 PMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

77°

Typical Low

55°

Chance of Rain

23%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Burnet Muni Ap, 11 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:42 AMSunset 6:54 PMDaylight 11h 11m

Host City

About Marble Falls, TX

Population

7,255

as of 2023

Elevation

806 ft

Nearest Airport

GRK

Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield · 43 mi

Major Hub

AUS

Austin Bergstrom International Airport · 45 mi

Time Zone

Central Time

From Endurance Grid

A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

138

Days to train

Race
Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K
Date
October 24, 2026

From Endurance Grid

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.

Read the Guide

Running

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K?
Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K is a running race held in Marble Falls, Texas on October 24, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K?
Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Marble Falls, Texas at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, Marble Falls, TX. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Fields of Gold 50K • Marathon • Half Marathon • 12 Hour • 1 Hour • 10K • 5K

Oct 24, 2026

Register →