The day after Christmas. Celebrate the return of the light.
December 26, 2026
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Endurance Run, 10K, 5K
7:30 AM – Sunset
Run the Light is a lap-based event on a scenic out and back path along Lake Travis. Burn off the Christmas feast with movement, fresh air, and the Hill Country sky. Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your effort is yours to manage.
Start any time between 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Run as many laps as you choose before sunset. Ideal for runners targeting 4–8 hours of movement. Maximum time on the course before the light fades.
Start any time between 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A focused effort as the day winds down. Ideal for runners targeting 1–4 hours of movement. Feel the urgency as the sun lowers toward the horizon.
A set-distance option with the same solstice spirit. Features beautiful lake views throughout on smooth paved surfaces. Run or ruck option available.
Perfect for those new to trail running or wanting a shorter celebration of the light. Ideal for PR attempts and first-time racers.
Participant numbers are capped to meet City of Austin requirements.
The day after Christmas. The days are shortest. The light is returning. Burn off the feast. Celebrate the season.
No cutoffs, no eliminations, no overnight miles. Just you, the trail, and the low winter sun. When the light is gone, the day and the run end together.
The day after Christmas at the lake. As the sun arcs low across the Hill Country sky, every lap becomes more intentional. A peaceful way to close out the holiday.
Walk, jog, run, rest, refuel. Your day is yours to manage. Whether you're chasing maximum distance or simply want to spend a full day outdoors in motion, Run the Light meets you where you are.
A unique seasonal challenge without overnight running. Test your endurance against the natural constraint of available sunlight.
No pressure of cutoffs or eliminations. Run as much or as little as the light allows. A welcoming entry point to longer efforts.
Start a new holiday tradition. Celebrate the return of the light with intentional movement the day after Christmas.
The week of the shortest day. Longest effort.
Ranked by total distance completed before sunset. Chip timing available for those interested in tracking their times. Awards for most laps completed, furthest distance (male/female), and final lap finisher at sunset. Special "Run the Light" Solstice recognition for all participants.
Timed results by age group. All participants receive official results.
Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. This coin is part of the Race Austin Series: Collector's Challenge, which allows you to exchange three copper/bronze coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.
Permit Pending: This event is pending final permit approval. In the unlikely event that the permit is not approved, all registered participants will receive a full refund or the option to defer to a future Mansfield Dam race.
No night running. No headlamps required. All running must conclude by sunset.
No cutoffs or hourly starts. Participants may stop at any time; all distances count.
Aid station is available at the loop hub throughout the event.
Laps must be completed before sunset to count toward your total. Start times are self-selected within your chosen window.
Your registration includes full access to all park amenities - make it a full day of outdoor enjoyment!
Explore additional paths beyond the race at the Overlook Park route for an extended outdoor adventure
Stunning lakeside scenery throughout the course. The perfect backdrop for your day-after-Christmas run.
Experience the impressive Mansfield Dam structure and panoramic views of Lake Travis and the Hill Country
Start a new tradition. Run the day after Christmas. Celebrate the light.
Run the Light – Winter Solstice is a daylight endurance challenge, not a timed race. By registering, you acknowledge that all running must occur between sunrise and sunset, and that no credit will be given for laps started after the sun sets.
Dec 26, 2026
Distance — Endurance Run
Type — Running
07:30
$59.99
Dec 26, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
13:00
$39.99
Dec 26, 2026
Distance — Endurance Run- Afternoon
Type — Running
13:00
$49.99
Dec 26, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
14:00
$29.99
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Austin.
Austin is a city of about 965,000 people (2021) on the southeast edge of the Hill Country region of Texas, making it the fourth-largest city in the state and the 11th-largest in the country. It is the capital of Texas and a college town, and also a center of an alternative culture away from the major cities on the US coasts, though the city is rapidly gentrifying with its rising popularity. Austin's attitude is commonly emblazoned about town on T-shirts and bumper stickers that read: "Keep Austin Weird." Austin is also marketed as the Live Music Capital of the World due to the large number of venues.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
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calendar_today Feb 07, 2026
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