Events
The Star of Texas Marathon
Holiday Victory Half Marathon
Holiday Victory 10k
Holiday Victory 5K
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://fitfoundation.org/holiday-victory-marathon.
Place
Spicewood, TX US 78669
Description
HOLIDAY VICTORY LAP
A sub-4 hour marathon challenge on a paved course with Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K options
December 14th at 10:00 AM | Pace Bend Park
A winter running celebration with stunning lake views and Boston Marathon qualification potential!
BOSTON QUALIFIER ALERT!
We are in the process of seeking USATF certification for the course which would offer a unique advantage for Boston hopefuls! Our 1.55-mile loop format allows runners to master the course with each lap, creating the perfect opportunity to strategically pace your way to a BQ time. With only 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course is designed for speed!
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Loop Design
1.55 miles per loop (17 loops for full marathon, 8.5 for half)
100% Paved Surface
Smooth, consistent running conditions for optimal performance
Minimal Elevation
Only 33 ft of gain per loop (561 ft total for marathon)
Perfect Pacing Opportunity
Learn the course quickly and optimize your speed on every section
Personal Aid Station
Set up your nutrition exactly how you want it and access it every 1.55 miles
COURSE DETAILS
The paved course features a gentle 50 ft descent in the first mile, followed by a 56 ft climb in the remaining 0.55 miles. This balanced profile prevents the quad fatigue of excessive downhill courses while providing enough variety to engage different muscle groups.
POTENTIAL BOSTON QUALIFICATION ADVANTAGE
Our unique loop course format offers strategic benefits for Boston hopefuls! As we work toward USATF certification, we've designed this course with qualification in mind. The 1.55-mile loop format lets you become intimately familiar with every turn and elevation change.
By your third lap, you'll know exactly where to push and where to conserve energy - a strategic advantage for hitting your BQ time! With only 561 ft of total elevation gain, this course creates ideal conditions for your qualification attempt once certification is complete.
EVENT FEATURES
Accurate splits and finish times for all participants
Track your progress every 1.55 miles to perfect your pacing
Your supporters can cheer you on multiple times without moving
Challenge coin and medal for all finishers
Advent Run to New Year Challenge and Winter Marathon Series
Course closes at 2:00 PM
PACE REQUIREMENTS
The Star of Texas Sub-4 Marathon Challenge (17 loops)
Maintain 9:09/mile pace or faster (14:12 per loop) to finish within cutoff
Checkpoint Guidance:
- 10:45 AM: Complete at least 3 loops (4.65 miles)
- 11:30 AM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 12:15 PM: Complete at least 9 loops (13.95 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete at least 12 loops (18.6 miles)
- 1:30 PM: Complete at least 15 loops (23.25 miles)
- 2:00 PM: Complete all 17 loops (26.35 miles)
Personal Pacers Welcome
Personal pacers are welcome at our Star of Texas Marathon event! For a fee of $15, pacers will receive park entry, insurance coverage, and an official PACER bib. Each registered runner may have only one pacer on course at any time, and pacers may join their runner after the first loop.
Our unique 1.55-mile loop format creates the perfect environment for pacing support, allowing pacers to join or exit at the start/finish area and access personal aid stations alongside their runner.
Pacers must register in advance, sign the event waiver, and follow all race rules including wearing their designated bib at all times. For Boston Qualifier hopefuls, rest assured that our pacer policy complies with BAA requirements. Whether you need support for the full marathon or just those challenging final miles, our pacer-friendly course design offers the ideal setting for achieving your race day goals.
Half Marathon (8.5 loops)
Maintain 18:13/mile pace or faster (28:15 per loop) to finish within cutoff
Checkpoint Guidance:
- 11:00 AM: Complete at least 2 loops (3.1 miles)
- 12:00 PM: Complete at least 4 loops (6.2 miles)
- 1:00 PM: Complete at least 6 loops (9.3 miles)
- 2:00 PM: Complete all 8.5 loops (13.175 miles)
Special Provision: Marathon participants who complete at least 8.5 loops (half marathon distance) but don't finish the full marathon by the 2:00 PM cutoff will receive official half marathon recognition and their medal.
10K & 5K Distances
10K participants will complete four full loops of our scenic course, while 5K runners will conquer two loops - all finishers earn a commemorative medal.
READY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VICTORY?
Join us at Pace Bend Park on December 14th for a unique loop course experience with Boston Qualifier potential!
Race Medal
-
Race Day Strategy Guide
Star of Texas Marathon: Sub-4 Hour Run/Walk Strategy Guide
Race Conditions: December 12th at Pace Bend Park
Expected temps: 45°F - 65°F | Potential for cool morning conditions
Course Format
- 33 ft elevation gain per loop (561 ft total)
- First mile: 50 ft descent | Last 0.55 miles: 56 ft climb
- 100% paved surface
Target Pace: Run 4 minutes / Walk 1 minute
Loop-by-Loop Strategy
| Loop # | Time | Temp | Run/Walk Strategy | Hydration & Nutrition | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10:00 AM | 46°F | Run first 1.5 miles, establish rhythm | Water only | Cool morning - wear gloves/arm warmers that can be removed later |
| 2-3 | 10:25 AM | 48°F | Begin 4:1 run/walk pattern | Water + small carb intake | Focus on consistency, not speed - aim for 13-14 min loops |
| 4-5 | 10:55 AM | 51°F | Maintain 4:1 pattern | Electrolytes + carbs | First hour nutrition check - ~200 calories in |
| 6-7 | 11:25 AM | 54°F | 4:1 with strategic walking on inclines | Hydration focus | Course familiarity building - note landmarks for pacing |
| 8 | 11:55 AM | 57°F | HALFWAY POINT 4:1 pattern | Full nutrition break | Assess pace - should be ~1:55-2:00 at halfway |
| 9-10 | 12:15 PM | 60°F | 4:1 pattern with extended walking on hills | Electrolytes + carbs | May need to remove outer layer as temperature rises |
| 11-12 | 12:45 PM | 62°F | 3:1 pattern if needed (adjust as necessary) | Increased water intake | Mental focus - breaking remaining loops into segments |
| 13-14 | 1:10 PM | 64°F | Return to 4:1 for flat/downhill sections | Caffeine option | This is the "wall" zone - focus on form and efficiency |
| 15-16 | 1:35 PM | 65°F | 4:1 pattern with determined mindset | Simple carbs only | Less than 5K to go after loop 16! |
| 17 | 1:50 PM | 65°F | Push final loop | Celebration sip of water | Victory lap - maintain form to finish strong |
Pacing Guidance
- Middle Loops (4-12): Maintain consistent 13:45-14:00 loops
- Final Push (13-17): Aim for 14:15 or better per loop
Loop-Specific Strategies
Loops 1-4: Establishment Phase
- Implement 4:1 run/walk from the beginning (except first 1.5 miles)
- Focus on finding rhythm and memorizing course features
- Note ideal walking sections (typically on inclines)
Loops 5-8: Rhythm Phase
- Maintain even effort (not pace) on hills
- Walk the steepest 30-second sections of each climb
- Run the entire downhill and flat sections
- Hydrate and fuel consistently
Loops 9-12: Management Phase
- Adjust to 3:1 run/walk ratio if needed
- Focus on form efficiency
- Consider slightly longer walks on uphills
- Shorter, more powerful running intervals
Loops 13-16: Mental Toughness Phase
- Count down remaining loops
- Return to 4:1 pattern if possible
- Focus on runners ahead as "targets"
- Use the loop format to your advantage - familiar territory
Loop 17: Victory Lap
- Run as much as possible
- Celebrate the finish!
Nutrition Plan
| Pre-race: | Light breakfast 2-3 hours before start |
| During race: | 200-250 calories per hour |
| Hydration: | 16-20oz water per hour (adjust based on temperature) |
| Electrolytes: | Every other loop |
| Caffeine: | Consider at loop 13 for final push |
Temperature Management
- Mid-race (55-60°F): Perfect running temperature - shed layers as needed
- Final loops (60-65°F): Focus on hydration if temp rises
Mental Strategies for Loop Courses
- Segment Focus: Break the race into 4-loop chunks
- Landmark Timing: Time yourself between specific landmarks
- Familiar Territory: Use course familiarity to plan strategic moves
- Aid Station Rhythm: Create a routine at the single aid station
- Personal Gear Access: Take advantage of access to personal items every loop
Star of Texas Marathon - December 12th
This run/walk strategy is perfect for our unique loop course format at Pace Bend Park!
Course Map
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook.
