Palo Duro Trail Run  October 17, 2026 |  Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas Celebrate 41 years of trail tradition at one of Texas’ most iconic races! Founded by Red Spicer in 1985 as a road race, the Palo Duro Trail Run has evolved into a stunning and challenging off-road experience. Runners from across the country descend into the second-largest canyon in the United States to take on the 25K, 50K, or 50 Mile distances—each offering an unforgettable journey through dramatic red rock formations, sandy washes, and technical climbs. Held in mid-October, runners can expect extreme and unpredictable canyon weather—from freezing starts to triple-digit highs—so come prepared for anything. The course consists of looped singletrack trails with wide-open views, rolling terrain, steep technical sections, and plenty of support from your crew and fellow runners throughout the day. The 2026 race will be considered a EAST year.    Race Day Schedule – Saturday, October 17 6:00 AM – Packet Pickup (Mack Dick Pavilion parking lot) 6:30 AM – 50 Mile Start 7:00 AM – 50K Start 7:20 AM – 25K Start Packet Pickup Times: Thursday, October 15 | 3:00-6:00 PM at Get Fit, Amarillo Friday, October 16 | 3:00-6:00 PM at Sad Monkey Mercantile Race Morning (Oct 17) | 6:00 AM at Mack Dick Pavilion  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. Pacers: Allowed for the 50 Mile race on Lap 3 only. Pacers must sign a waiver and pick up a pacer bib at packet pickup.  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.  Registration Fees: 50 Mile: $130 (through May 31) | $140 (June–Aug) | $150 (Sept 1–Oct 15) 50K: $130 (through May 31) | $140 (June–Aug) | $150 (Sept 1–Oct 15) 25K: $105 (through Oct 1) | $130 (Oct 2–15)  Important Notes: Registration closes Wednesday, October 14 at 11:59 PM—no exceptions! You may drop to a shorter distance at no charge (no refunds). Upgrading to a longer distance will incur a fee. No race-day changes, rollovers, or refunds—rain or shine!  Register early to guarantee your race shirt and join us for a day of celebration, grit, and Texas trail magic.