Events
52.7 Mile Relay
52.7 Mile Solo
Free 1K Kids' Fun Run
10K Night Run
5K Night Run
Pacer Registration for the 52.7 Mile Solo, 50K and Marathon
Place
Spicewood, TX US 78669
Description
Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge
The Fastest Summer Ultramarathon in Texas
July 12, 2025 | Pace Bend Park, Lake Travis
Scenic Hill Country Course
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Texas Hill Country as you run on smooth paved roads winding through majestic oak trees. With Lake Travis as your backdrop, this picturesque route combines natural beauty with the perfect running surface for speed and comfort.
Set your sights on a personal record and a chance to win part of the $1,300 prize pool at the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge. This unique event features a perfectly engineered 1.55-mile paved figure-8 loop with an elevation gain of just 33ft at scenic Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis, designed for speed and performance even in July.
Race Distances
52.7 Mile Relay & Solo
Solo or teams of 2-6 runners
50K
Marathon
25K
10K
8:30 AM 07/13
5K
8:30 AM 07/13
Why Choose This Race?
Fast, PR-Friendly Course
Unlike typical Texas summer ultras with brutal heat and technical trails, our smooth asphalt figure-8 loop with just 33ft elevation gain creates ideal conditions for record-setting performances.
Evening Start Format
Race as the sun sets and July's magnificent Buck Moon rises over the limestone bluffs. Our strategic evening start times for longer distances mean cooler temperatures when you need it most.
Pacers Allowed
While we won't be providing official pacing groups for the Austin Solstice Circuit Challenge due to our size, we enthusiastically welcome personal pacers for both the Marathon, 50K and 52.7 Mile Solo events. Personal pacers can join Marathon and 50K participants after 8 loops and 52.7 Mile runners after 17 loops (approximately halfway points). Each pacer must pay a $15 fee that covers park entry, administrative costs, and an official pacer bib. Pacers need to sign a waiver and wear their designated "PACER" bib while on course. Runners are responsible for arranging their own pacers, but the loop format makes it particularly convenient for your support crew to join when you need them most. We find this flexibility is especially appreciated by first-time marathoners and ultra runners who benefit from personalized support during the challenging later miles as day turns to evening.
Cash Prizes
Compete for a share of the $1,300 prize pool with substantial cash awards for overall winners across all distances.
Free 1K Kids' Fun Run
Course Details
The distinctive figure-8 course winds through the breathtaking Hill Country landscape of Pace Bend Park, featuring limestone bluffs, majestic oak trees, and views of Lake Travis. The smooth asphalt surface throughout makes it perfect for both day and night running, with the main loop connecting to a smaller upper loop.
- Surface: 100% smooth, paved asphalt – ideal for consistent pacing
- Elevation: Only 33ft gain per loop – gentle, predictable terrain
- Loop Length: 1.55 miles in a figure-8 configuration
- Scenery: Limestone bluffs, oak-covered hills, and Lake Travis views
- Aid Station: Access every 1.55 miles at the start/finish hub
- Marking: Fully marked with reflective markers for nighttime visibility
"Whether you're chasing a PR, a qualifying time, or simply want to experience the joy of running fast through a Texas summer night beneath towering oaks and limestone cliffs, the Solstice Circuit Challenge offers a rare opportunity to push your limits under optimal conditions."
Amenities
Aid Station
Fully stocked station at the start/finish hub
Restrooms
Convenient toilet vault facilities
Camping
First-come, first-served sites surrounding the course
Parking
Multiple areas for easy access
Finisher Awards
Custom challenge coins for all finishers
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
Race from sunset to stars beneath the Buck Moon on the fastest summer ultra course in the Texas Hill Country.
Ready to prepare? Check out our comprehensive training guide designed specifically for the Solstice Circuit Challenge.
Training Plan for Intermediate Runners
SOLSTICE MARATHON TRAINING PLAN
16-Week Comprehensive Guide: April to July 12
🏃 Training Plan Overview
WHO THIS PLAN IS FOR
This intermediate-level plan is designed for runners who:
- Have completed at least one half marathon
- Are currently running 25-30 miles per week comfortably
- Have been running consistently for at least 6-12 months
- Are either training for their first marathon or looking to improve their marathon time
This is not a beginner plan - the starting long run of 8 miles and weekly mileage assume an established running base. For comprehensive plans for varying levels of running experience, visit our website at www.fitfoundation.org
This 16-week training plan is specifically designed for the Summer Solstice Marathon's unique evening start time. The plan progressively builds your endurance while incorporating specialized training elements for:
- Heat acclimation for the hot start
- Night running skills for the dark finish
- Run/walk strategy development
- Nutrition testing for evening racing
- Mental preparation for the temperature and light transitions
PHASE 1: FOUNDATION BUILDING (APRIL 1-28)
Weekly Structure
- Monday: Rest or cross-training
- Tuesday: Easy run 4-5 miles + 4-6 strides
- Wednesday: Medium run 6-7 miles (weeks 1-2) or tempo intervals (weeks 3-4)
- Thursday: Recovery run 3-4 miles or cross-training
- Friday: Rest
- Saturday: Long run progression:
- Week 1: 8 miles
- Week 2: 10 miles
- Week 3: 12 miles
- Week 4: 14 miles
- Sunday: Recovery walk or light cross-training
Key Workouts
Week 3 Tempo Introduction
- 15 min warm-up
- 3 x 5 minutes at half marathon pace with 2-minute recovery jog
- 15 min cool-down
Week 4 Run/Walk Introduction
- During Saturday's 14-miler:
- Try 10 min run / 1 min walk for the final 5 miles
- Note differences in perceived effort and recovery
Phase 1 Focus Areas
- Build aerobic base with mostly easy running
- Establish consistency in training routine
- Begin basic nutrition experiments during long runs
- Introduce run/walk method as a strategic tool
- Keep intensity moderate to build gradually
PHASE 2: ENDURANCE DEVELOPMENT (APRIL 29-MAY 26)
Weekly Structure
- Monday: Rest or cross-training
- Tuesday: Easy run 5-6 miles + 4-6 strides
- Wednesday: Medium effort run with workout:
- Week 5: 7 miles with 3x1 mile at 10K pace
- Week 6: 8 miles with 4x800m at 5K pace
- Week 7: 8 miles with 2x2 miles at half marathon pace
- Week 8: 9 miles with 5x1 mile at 10K pace
- Thursday: Recovery run 4-5 miles
- Friday: REST or light cross-training (30 min)
- Saturday: Long run progression:
- Week 5: 16 miles
- Week 6: 12 miles (cutback week)
- Week 7: 18 miles
- Week 8: 16 miles (with run/walk strategy)
- Sunday: Recovery run 3-4 miles or cross-training
Key Workouts
Week 6 Evening Medium Run
Begin shifting one weekday run to evening (preferably Wednesday):
- 8 miles with 4x800m intervals at 5K pace
- Start run between 5-7 PM
- Practice nutrition timing for evening running
- Note how body responds to evening workout
Week 7 Heat Acclimation Session
- During warmest part of afternoon
- Easy 30-minute run at conversation pace
- Focus on hydration strategies
- Practice cooling techniques
- Note: Only do if temperature is above 75°F and you have no health concerns
Phase 2 Focus Areas
- Increase overall volume with longer midweek runs
- Begin evening training adaptation with one weekly PM run
- Formalize run/walk strategy during long runs (test 10/1 and 5/1 ratios)
- Introduce heat acclimation with strategic daytime runs
- Experiment with evening nutrition strategies
- Include structured workouts to build speed and stamina
PHASE 3: SPECIALIZED TRAINING (MAY 27-JUNE 23)
Weekly Structure
- Monday: Rest or cross-training
- Tuesday: Easy run 6-7 miles with strides
- Wednesday: EVENING workout:
- Week 9: 8 miles with 6x800m at 10K pace
- Week 10: 9 miles with 4x1 mile at half marathon pace
- Week 11: 10 miles with 2x2 miles at marathon pace + 2x1 mile at 10K pace
- Week 12: 7 miles with 3x1 mile at 10K pace
- Thursday: Recovery run 4-5 miles
- Friday: REST
- Saturday: NIGHT Long Run (start between 5-7 PM):
- Week 9: 16 miles with headlamp for final 6 miles
- Week 10: 20 miles with headlamp for final 8 miles
- Week 11: 22 miles with headlamp for final 10 miles
- Week 12: 16 miles (cutback) with headlamp for final 6 miles
- Sunday: Recovery run 3-5 miles or cross-training
Key Workouts
Week 10 Race Simulation Evening Run
- Saturday 20-miler with strategic focus:
- Start at 6:00 PM
- Run first 10 miles at easy pace
- Run next 6 miles at marathon pace
- Run final 4 miles with headlamp, practicing run/walk strategy
- Test race day nutrition plan
Week 11 Peak Long Run
- 22 miles with complete race day simulation:
- Start at exact race start time (7:00 PM)
- Use planned run/walk ratio from beginning
- Practice with all planned lighting equipment
- Test race nutrition strategy
- Wear planned race outfit
Phase 3 Focus Areas
- Transition both workout and long run to evening to simulate race conditions
- Practice night running with all equipment you'll use on race day
- Refine run/walk strategy based on previous testing
- Peak overall mileage in Week 11 (45-50 miles)
- Complete race fueling plan with timing adjustments for evening start
- Practice temperature transition management (hot start → cool finish)
- Test all gear thoroughly, particularly lighting and reflective equipment
PHASE 4: TAPER & RACE PREPARATION (JUNE 24-JULY 12)
Weekly Structure
The taper follows a pattern of reduced volume while maintaining some intensity to keep you sharp for race day.
Week 13 (June 24-30): 75-80% of peak volume
- Key workout: 7 miles w/ 3x1 mile at marathon pace
- Long run: 14 miles (one final night run)
- Weekly mileage: ~35-40 miles
Week 14 (July 1-7): 60-65% of peak volume
- Key workout: 6 miles w/ 4x800m at 10K pace
- Long run: 10 miles with 3 at marathon pace
- Weekly mileage: ~30 miles
Race Week (July 8-12): 30-40% of peak volume
- Monday: 4-5 easy miles
- Tuesday: 4 miles w/ 5x100m strides
- Wednesday: 3-4 easy miles
- Thursday: 2-3 miles very easy + 4 strides
- Friday: Complete rest
- Saturday (Race Day): SOLSTICE MARATHON
Final Race Week Preparation
- Check all equipment including fresh batteries for headlamp and backup light
- Plan pre-race meal timing for evening start (light lunch, small pre-race meal 3-4 hours before)
- Prepare drop bag with extra batteries, night gear, and post-sunset nutrition
- Confirm run/walk strategy and practice pace transitions one final time
- Study course map and aid stations to plan nutrition and gear access points
- Adjust sleep schedule 2-3 days before to accommodate late finish
- Focus on hydration in the 48 hours before race start
SPECIALIZED TRAINING ELEMENTS
The Solstice Marathon's evening start means you'll finish in darkness. Use these progressive steps to prepare:
Weeks 1-4
- Research and purchase quality headlamp (300+ lumens)
- Practice with equipment on short walks
- Test battery life and learn all settings
Weeks 5-8
- Begin short evening runs (30-45 min) that end after sunset
- Practice transitioning to headlamp mid-run
- Experiment with reflective gear and visibility options
Weeks 9-12
- Complete weekly long runs that start in daylight and continue into darkness
- Test multiple lighting options (headlamp, waist light, handheld)
- Practice spotting trail obstacles in low light
Weeks 13-16
- Finalize lighting setup with primary and backup options
- Practice battery changes while moving
- Complete final night training run in week 13
Race Day Strategy
SUMMER SOLSTICE MARATHON STRATEGY
Your Hour-by-Hour Plan for a 4-5 Hour Evening Finish
Race Overview
⏱️ Hour-by-Hour Strategy
- 6-8 oz fluid every walk break
- Focus on electrolytes
- No solid food yet
- Conservative start in peak heat
- Find shade when possible
- Focus on cooling strategies
- Wet hat/bandana at aid stations
- 6-8 oz fluid every walk break
- First gel/food at 45-60 min
- Salt tabs if heavy sweater
- Maintain conservative effort
- Begin slight pace increase
- Check in on perceived effort
- Monitor for early fatigue signs
- 4-6 oz fluid every walk break
- Second gel/nutrition
- Switch to easily identifiable foods
- Transition to night running
- Increase pace with cooling temps
- Test lighting during walk breaks
- Mental reset at halfway point
- 4-6 oz fluid every walk break
- Third nutrition intake
- Easily digestible options
- Find nighttime rhythm
- Form check during walk breaks
- Run with purpose in cooler temps
- Partner with other runners if possible
- 4-6 oz fluid every walk break
- Simple sugars if needed
- Caffeine option if planned
- Break remaining distance into chunks
- Careful footing on tired legs
- Use walk breaks for mental reset
- Maintain effort as fatigue increases
💡 Nighttime Running Tips
- Lighting Setup: Headlamp plus waist/handheld light for better depth perception
- Battery Management: Pack spare batteries or backup light
- Footing Awareness: Shorten stride slightly on uneven surfaces
- Group Running: Stay near other runners when possible for extra light and safety
- Reflective Gear: Make yourself visible to others and course marshals
🏁 Target Time Checkpoints
| Checkpoint | 4:30 Goal | 5:00 Goal | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mile 5 | 7:55 PM (55 min) | 8:00 PM (60 min) | Heat management phase complete |
| Mile 10 | 8:50 PM (1:50) | 9:00 PM (2:00) | Sunset transition beginning |
| Half (13.1) | 9:20 PM (2:20) | 9:35 PM (2:35) | Activate all night equipment |
| Mile 16 | 9:45 PM (2:45) | 10:05 PM (3:05) | Darkness fully established |
| Mile 20 | 10:20 PM (3:20) | 10:40 PM (3:40) | Begin final mental strategy |
| Mile 23 | 10:45 PM (3:45) | 11:05 PM (4:05) | Break race into smaller chunks |
| Finish | 11:30 PM (4:30) | 12:00 AM (5:00) | Complete night marathon! |
🔦 Equipment Transition Timeline
| Time | Mile | Light Conditions | Equipment Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 PM | 8-9 | Evening light fading | Move headlamp to accessible location |
| 9:00 PM | 10-11 | Dusk beginning | Test headlamp during walk break |
| 9:15 PM | 12 | Dusk deepening | Activate secondary lights (waist/chest) |
| 9:30 PM | 13-14 | Near darkness | Full lighting setup activated |
| 10:00 PM+ | 15+ | Complete darkness | Check battery levels during walk breaks |
⚠️ Emergency Adjustments
| Issue | Immediate Action | Secondary Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Overheating | Drop to 3/2 ratio | Seek medical at next station |
| GI distress | Switch to liquids only | Adjust to 5/1 ratio |
| Muscle cramps | Extra salt at next station | 3/2 ratio until resolved |
| Light failure | Use phone light temporarily | Find running partner |
| Extreme fatigue | Switch to 3/3 ratio | Reevaluate at next mile |
2025 Race Schedule
Race Distance Options
All races take place on our looped course
52.7 Mile Relay & Solo
50K
Marathon
25K
10K
8:30 AM 07/13
5K
8:30 AM 07/13
Each race follows the same looped course. The 52.7 Mile Relay can be completed solo or with teams of 2-6 runners.
Course Map (Elevation Profile)
Course Map
Health Impact Rating
Ultra Buckle for 52 Mile Race
Sections of the Course
Course
Course
Pace Bend (Colorado River)
Pace Bend (Colorado River)
Camp site
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of our event! We need help with registration, course marshaling, water stations, finish line operations, and pre-race preparations.
All volunteers receive:
-Event t-shirt
-Meal stipend or voucher for race day
-Community service hours (if needed)
-Special discounts or free registration for future races.
Your support makes our event possible!
Sign up to volunteer today! Email info@atxactive.com or register directly through the "Volunteer" tab on our RunSignUp page.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, with benefits including logo placement on race materials, complimentary race entries, table space at our events, and recognition across our promotional channels. We welcome both monetary and in-kind donations.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at info@atxactive.com or call (737) 843-4614.
