The Canyon of the Eagles 100 starts at 10:00 AM on January 1st in Burnet, Texas, giving you time to settle in the night before. Held at 16942 Ranch Road 2341, this New Year's Day event offers multiple distance options across running, trail running, and ruck formats. You can compete in a 1-mile option, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or tackle the ultramarathon distances: a 25K ruck or run, 50K ultra, or the full 62.2-mile ultra challenge. Entry fees range from $29.99 to $219.99 depending on distance selected. Whether you're looking to start your year with a short local race or commit to a serious ultramarathon effort, this event accommodates various fitness levels and race goals on the same day.
From the Race Organizer
NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION Start the year with a finish, not a resolution. Ring in 2027 on the Trails of the Canyon of the Eagles MOUNT UP " Mount up with wings like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not faint." THE EAGLE 100K & 50K ULTRA MARATHON 13.1M 5K Challenge yourself with crystal-clear Colorado River views and limestone bluff trails A CELEBRATION OF RUNNING Ring in the New Year with vigor and community spirit, running where eagles soar at this celebratory running event at the Canyon of the Eagles! Challenge yourself with an ultramarathon or another race distance against the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado River. Watch bald eagles hunt between your laps, stargaze, and start 2027 with an epic challenge in the Texas Hill Country. This two-day event features different race options and caters to both seasoned ultrarunners and first-timers with generous cutoff times for all distances. 100K & 50K EAGLE ULTRAMARATHON Race Details Join us for an exhilarating race day where you'll not only challenge your limits but also enjoy a dynamic and ever-changing course layout! The welcoming environment encourages participants of all paces and fitness levels to take on their next running challenge. Adventure awaits on these scenic sun-bleached limestone bluffs and verdant courses. Distance: 62.2 and 31.1 miles (looped course design on trails and along the river) Cutoff Time: 24 hours Elevation: 512 ft gain / 531 ft loss per loop Need help planning your race strategy? Visit fitfoundation.org/new-year-trail-challenge for our interactive pace calculator and find the perfect pace for your New Year's Day adventure! Marathon Marathon Race Details For those seeking a shorter yet challenging distance, kick off your new year with an epic trail ultrarunning experience that takes you through varied natural scenery! Distance: 26.2 miles Cutoff Time: 12 hours Terrain: Varied natural scenery and trails Note: Running/hiking poles are recommended 13.1M Half-Marathon (Day 1 & 2) The looped course winds through picturesque areas, highlighting river views, and gentle inclines, suitable for both new and experienced runners. 13.1M Ruck Division Weight Requirements: 20 lbs minimum (under 150 lb participants) / 30 lbs minimum (over 150 lb participants) Verification: Weights checked at start and finish Cutoff Time: 12 hours Course: Same scenic 13.1M route TRAIL 5K &10K: 1ST OR/AND 2ND DAY RUN OR RUCK Start Your Year on the Right Foot Kick off your New Year with an invigorating trail run through scenic natural terrain. This 5K adventure combines the energy of a fresh start with the serenity of nature, making it the perfect way to launch your New Year's fitness journey. Begin your year immersed in nature as you wind through wooded trails, taking in breathtaking vistas. Our well-marked 5K course features natural terrain, offering both challenge and inspiration for runners and hikers of all levels. Organized in partnership with Healthy Kids Running Series Cedar Park. Proceeds support HKRS Cedar Park youth running programs. Option: Complete as a run or ruck (weighted backpack) - your choice! RING IN THE NEW YEAR ON THE TRAILS Challenge yourself in the beauty of the Canyon of the Eagles - choose your distance and start your year with an achievement! REGISTER NOW THE GAUNTLET: LAST ONE STANDING Stop 1 of 4 · The Opener Day one of the year. Bell one of the season. Noon, New Year's Day · Lake Buchanan · Burnet, TX Canyon of the Eagles opens The Gauntlet at noon on January 1st, on the shores of Lake Buchanan. Whatever you told yourself you would do this year, you will already be doing it before the first day is out. You start easier than a standard backyard ultra: 4 miles at 15:00 pace for the first eight hours. The sun goes down before that block does. At 8 PM the loop grows to 5 miles, the pace tightens to 12:00, and the race you signed up for starts moving away from you. It keeps moving. Sunrise on January 2nd catches you on the 6 mile loop at 10:00 pace, with the limestone bluffs and the river arm of the lake coming back into view and the bald eagles that give the canyon its name working the water while you count loops. Noon on the 2nd is a full 24 hours in, and it is where the loop reaches 7 miles and stops growing. The Wall opens at 8 PM on January 2nd, in the dark of the second night. From there the loop simply repeats: 7 miles at 8:34 pace, on the hour, for as long as anyone can answer. Whoever is last to stop takes the first name on the Gauntlet board for the year, and everyone chasing the Sole Survivor title spends the next ten months chasing them. 12:00 PM First Bell, January 1 You start in daylight on the first day of the year. Be in the corral for every bell after. 4 → 7 MI The Ramp The loop grows three times before it locks. You do not get the easy version back. 176 MI Just To Reach The Wall Nobody arrives at hour 33 fresh. That is the entire point of it. 1 Sole Survivor One title, one name. Everyone else is recorded with their yard
Course & Travel Notes
Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield (GRK) is 31.6 miles from the venue in Burnet, Texas. The Canyon of the Eagles New Year's Trail Challenge takes place at 1332 ft elevation with a 10:00 AM start time, which is after the 7:30 AM sunrise. January typical monthly normals include an average high of 59°F and average low of 34°F, with measurable precipitation on 19% of days.
⛰️ 1,332 ft elevation☀️ Typically 59°F / 34°F · 19% chance of rain✈️ Killeen Regional Airport / Robert Gray Army Airfield (GRK) — 31.6 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for January 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Burnet, TX.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX?
Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX takes place on January 1, 2027. The race is held in Burnet, Texas.
Where is Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX held?
Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX is held at 16942 Ranch Road 2341 in Burnet, Texas.
Where can I find hotels near Canyon of the Eagles New Year’s Trail Challenge · 100K & 50K ULTRA, Marathon, 13.1M Run & Ruck, 10K, 5K • Last Runner Standing 2027 — Burnet, TX?
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