50M
50K
25K
Palo Duro Trail Run
Distance
50M/50K/25K
Date
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026
Time
6:30 am - 7:00 am
Location
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
About The Event
Join us for the 41st Annual Palo Duro Trail Run which will be held on Saturday, October 17th. The race was started by Red Spicer as a road race and has morphed into a beautiful trail run, with distances of 25K, 50K, and 50 Miles. The race takes place in mid- October when temperatures can vary from freezing at the start to over 100 degrees during the afternoon. You will run a variety of trails from rolling singletrack to sand and rock. There are short but steep and technical ascents and descents.. The course is a looped course, so you will see people most of the day and return to the start/finish in order to meet your crew. The 2026 race will be considered a EAST year.
Event Summary
Open Gate
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Meeting Point
Mack Dick Pavillon
Distance
50M / 50K / 25K
Pace
Easy / Conversational
50 Mile Race Start
6:30 am
50K Race Start
6:30 am
25K Race Start
7:20 am
Slots
LIMITED
Fee details
- All registered participants recieve a long sleeve technical shirt.
50M Run
USD
$140.00
50K Run
USD
$130.00
25K Run
USD
$115.00
Frequent Asked Questions
Packet Pickup
Thursday, October 15th
3:00-6:00 pm
Location: Get Fit 1911 S. Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79109
Friday, October 16th
3:00-6:00 pm
Location: Sad Monkey Mercantile 9800 TX-217, Canyon, TX 79105
Race Day Saturday October 17th
6:00 am
Location: Start / Finish area in the parking lot of Mack Dick Pavillon
Pacers
Pacers are allowed for the 50 mile race on the last (3rd lap) ONLY. Pacers must accompany the runner on foot only. No bicycles, vehicles, or other wheeled conveyences are allowed.
ONLY ONE PACER IS ALLOWED ON THE LAST LAP!
Pacers must start and finish at the designated drop bag area at the start/finish area.
Pacers must remain on foot at all times. Use of non-foot transport by a pacers is a violation of race rules and is subject to disqualifcaiton.
All pacers must register through Ultrasignup and sign the waier and pick up a pacer bib at packet pick-up.
Aid Station Support
We are proud to be known for the best aid stations in trail racing! You will have 4 fully stocked aid stations with experienced volunteers to help you fill your bladders and bottles. We have a variety of salty and sweet food options from candy and chips to boiled salted potatoes, and PB&J’s. You will have water, soda, pickle juice and Hyperlyte Liquid Performance for your hydration needs.
Tents and canopies for your crew will be allowed at the Start Finish area ONLY in a designated area.
Racers may not take support on course outside of the designated aid stations.
Cupless Race
You must carry your own hydration system. We will not have cups at the aid stations. We will refill your bladders and bottles but if you want pickle juice or coke, etc, you need a packable cup.
2026 Race Day Schedule
Saturday, October 17th
6:00 am Packet Pickup at the start/finish area in the Mack Dick parking lot under the Get Fit tent.
6:30 am 50M Start
6:30 am 50K Start
7:20 am 25K Wave Start
Race Cutoffs
50M – 2:30 pm. Runners will NOT be allowed to continue the race from the start/finish line after 2:30pm
50K – 1:00 pm. Runners will NOT be allowed to continue the race from the start/finish line after 1:00pm
Course closed at 7:00 pm.
Need to make Changes?
There is no charge to drop down to a shorter distance, but there’s no refund. There will be a charge to move up in distance. You may transfer your bib to another runner. No race day changes! No rollovers or refunds, for any reason, including inclement weather!
Course Map
Please note: A revised course map is currently being finalized due to recent changes to the route. The updated version will be available once finalized.
Post Race
Your registration includes a hot deliciious meal post race.
Awards
All 50K and 50M finishers recieve a unique Palo Duro belt buckle.
All 25K finishers receive a unique Palo Duro hat.
Overall and age groups awards are TBD.
FAQs
1. Are dogs allowed on course? For the safety of you and all participants no dogs are allowed on course. Although we love dogs, we ask for the safety of you and other participants that you do not run with your fury companion.
2. What should I bring? Essential items often include a hydration vest, refillable cup, your specific nutrition, and a light (50M racers), and sometimes a light jacket as it can be quite cool in the canyon before the sun rises.
3. Do I need,trail-specific shoes? Highly recommended for better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, though not mandatory.
4. Can I walk sections of the course? Yes, almost everyone walks at some point 🙂 Trail running is more about experiencing and enjoying your the beautiful canyon surroundings than it is about getting your PR.
5. Can I change by race distance? We allow participants to change distances up until race week. You can do this through our registration partner, UltraSignup. We do not offer refunds or credits to go down in distance, you will pay the difference to move up in distance. No race day changes! No rollovers or refunds, for any reason, including inclement weather!
7. Do we allow trekking poles? Yes
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