Hippo Trail Fest
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Overview
Hippo Trail Fest takes place on March 21, 2026, at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, Texas (3250 Limmer Loop Unit 3). The event includes trail running, ruck races, a youth 1-mile run, and the Hippo Haul, a 5 km weight-carry race. The Hippo Social Club facilities on site include mobility and stretching resources, cold plunge pools, a sauna, and space for vendors, live music, food trucks, and family activities. The event follows Leave No Trace principles; littering can result in disqualification and participants must bring their own cup or water bottle for aid stations.
Distances
- 50K
- 20 miles
- 10 miles
- 10k
- 5k
- 10k Ruck
- 13.1 mile Ruck
- 10 mile Ruck
- Hippo Haul (5 km weight-carry race)
- Youth 1 Mile (12 and under)
Course and logistics
The course is a well-marked, mainly wooded 5-mile loop used for multiple laps. The 10k is two laps of a 5k route with a shortcut option; the 50k begins with a 1.1 mile lap then six 5-mile laps. Trails are soft and rolling with some tight turns, creek crossings with bridges over larger gaps, and only modest elevation change. Aid station support is frequent - no more than 3 miles between stations - with drinks, grab-and-go snacks, electrolyte products, and finish-line refreshments. The event is chip timed with ankle-mounted chips. Pacers are not allowed. Ruck division rules require a 20 lb weight for participants under 150 lb and 30 lb for those over 150 lb, mandatory weigh-ins, and that weight be carried in a backpack on the back. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
