Events
Austin's Rodeo Half-Marathon
Rodeo Backyard Ultra
Place
Spicewood, TX US 78669
Clock’s Ticking. Ride the Bull.
If the miles wear you down, can you outrun what’s next?
“If running on foot has worn you out… are you ready to race the horses?”
Description
🐎 Austin Rodeo Half-Marathon, Marathon and Rodeo Backyard Ultra 🐎
Saddle Up. Run Hard. Run the Trails.
Earn the buckle. Be part of something gritty and real.
Race Weekend: March 14, 2026
Prices increase as spots fill.
🤠 Two Rodeos. One City. Endless Grit.
Come March 2026, while Austin celebrates cowboys, concerts, and competition at Rodeo Austin, a different kind of rodeo will unfold on the trails.
Welcome to Austin’s Rodeo Trail Run, 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
This is a no-frills, honest trail half-marathon and marathon 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 Details:
- Distance: Half marathon, 13.1 miles, and full marathon, 26.2 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 Austin’s Rodeo Half Marathon (March 14) 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.
How It Works
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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 and backyard ultra experience!
This event is independently organized and not affiliated with Rodeo Austin.
Race Swag
🛡️ THE GLADIATOR AWARD
The Gladiator Award is reserved for athletes who complete 100 miles in under 24 hours on the official course.
To earn it, runners must:
- Complete 100 miles
- Finish in under 24 hours
- Follow all race rules
- Run without pacers unless explicitly allowed
There are no rollovers and no partial credit.
You either earn the Gladiator Award, or you don’t.
Few attempt it. Fewer finish it. One becomes a Gladiator.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Course Map - Half and Full Marathon
The Austin Rodeo Half-Marathon and Marathon feature a challenging multi-lap format on technical Texas Hill Country terrain at Grelle Recreation Area.
THE COURSE:
Main Technical Loop (~5 miles): A rugged trail loop featuring loose and exposed rock, short steep climbs and descents, rolling dirt roads, and uneven footing. The most technical sections are nicknamed "The Bull" - demanding careful foot placement, mental focus, and trail toughness. Aid stations are positioned strategically around the loop with a main aid station at Start/Finish and a secondary station mid-course.
HALF MARATHON ROUTE:
2 complete laps of the main technical loop (~10 miles)
1 out-and-back on the Rodeo Backyard Ultra route
MARATHON ROUTE (26.2 miles):
5 complete laps of the main technical loop (~25 miles)
1 final out-and-back from the main aid station to the second aid station
WHY MULTI-LAP? The multi-lap format allows you to learn the terrain, receive consistent support from crew and spectators at the Start/Finish area, and experience the mental game of tackling the same challenging sections repeatedly - true rodeo grit.
TERRAIN: Classic Hill Country - rocky trails, dirt roads, lake views, and plenty of "The Bull" to keep you honest every lap.
Course Map 2- Backyard Ultra
RODEO BACKYARD ULTRA:
Backyard Ultra Route: An out-and-back course starting at the main Start/Finish area, running through varied terrain to a remote turnaround point, then returning the same way. This route features a different character than the main loop - expect turns, elevation changes, and the mental challenge of reversing direction on familiar ground.
The most technical sections are nicknamed "The Bull" - demanding careful foot placement, mental focus, and trail toughness.
4.17-mile out-and-back repeated every hour on the hour
Finish within 60 minutes to continue to the next lap
Miss the cutoff and you're "bucked from the bull"
Last One Standing wins
