Palo Duro Trail Run
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About the race
The 41st Annual Palo Duro Trail Run takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The event offers looped trail courses and multiple distance options for participants.
Distances
- 50 miles
- 50 kilometers
- 25 kilometers
The courses use a variety of terrain, including rolling singletrack, sand, and rock, with short but steep and technical ascents and descents. The looped format brings runners back to the start/finish area between laps, allowing contact with crews at that location. Temperatures in mid October can vary widely, from freezing at the start to over 100 degrees later in the day.
Support on course includes four fully stocked aid stations with water, soda, pickle juice, Hyperlyte Liquid Performance, and a mix of salty and sweet foods such as boiled salted potatoes and PB&J. The race operates as a cupless event; participants must carry their own hydration system. Aid stations will refill bottles and bladders, and a packable cup is recommended for items like pickle juice or cola.
Pacers are permitted for the 50 mile race only on the final lap; only one pacer is allowed, must remain on foot, and must register and pick up a pacer bib. Packet pickup occurs the Thursday and Friday before the race at local listed locations. Registration includes a long sleeve technical shirt and a post-race hot meal prepared by the Palo Duro Trading Post. Finishers receive distance-specific items: 50K and 50M finishers receive a Palo Duro belt buckle and 25K finishers receive a Palo Duro hat.
Participants may change distance up until race week; moving up in distance carries a fee, bib transfers are allowed, and there are no race day changes or refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
