Palo Duro Trail Run – 40th Anniversary Edition
October 18, 2025 | Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Celebrate 40 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.
New in 2025: As part of our alternating course tradition, 2025 is a "West Year"—running the historic direction of the trail.
Race Day Schedule – Saturday, October 18
-
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 16 | 4:30–5:30 PM at Get Fit, Amarillo
-
Friday, October 17 | 4:30–6:00 PM at Sad Monkey Mercantile
-
Race Morning (Oct 18) | 6:00 AM at Mack Dick Pavilion
40th Anniversary Swag:
-
50K & 50 Mile finishers: Limited edition 40th Anniversary PDTR belt buckle
-
25K finishers: 40th Anniversary PDTR cap
-
Anniversary caps available for purchase for 50K/50 Mile runners
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.
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 15 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.