Hippo Trail Fest
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Hippo Trail Fest : Hutto, Texas
Hippo Trail Fest is a multi-distance trail event held at the Hippo Social Club in Hutto, TX. The event features trail runs, ruck races, a youth run, and the Hippo Haul weight-carry race. The race weekend also includes curated art and wellness experiences, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Distances:
- 1 Mile Youth Run
- 5K
- 10K
- 10 miles
- 20 miles
- 50K
- 10K Ruck
- 10 mile Ruck
- Hippo Haul (5 km weight carry race)
Course and format: The primary circuit is a well-marked, rolling 5-mile loop run for multiple laps for longer distances. The 5K and 10K use a shortcut; the 10K is two laps of the 5K route. Trails are mostly wooded with small creeks, some exposed sections, short ups and downs, and occasional tight turns. Bridges exist where creeks may fill after rain.
Hippo Haul: The Hippo Haul is a 5 km loop race where each participant carries a concrete hippo (about 5–10 lbs) in hand, with mandatory challenge stations (for example burpees and tire flips) distributed roughly every quarter to half mile.
Ruck division: Required weights are 20 lb for participants under 150 lb and 30 lb for those over 150 lb. Mandatory weigh-ins occur before the start and at the finish; weight must be carried on the back in a ruck; no sling bags or trekking poles allowed. Finishers receive a patch and finisher medal.
Logistics and policies: Packet pickup occurs before race day and on race morning. There are multiple parking areas near the race hub. Spectator parking incurs a fee; children under 12 enter free. The event is cupless; participants should bring their own cup or bottle. Littering can lead to disqualification. Headphone policy restricts over-ear and in-ear blocking types; bone conduction, one-ear, or transparency-mode headphones are allowed. All races are chip timed with ankle-worn chips; chips must be returned after finishing. Pacers are not allowed. Awards include top overall places and a masters category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
