Last Updated April 2, 2024
Hosted at the Reveille Peak Ranch in Austin, TX, the Austin Rattler Run from Life Time Events is a Leadville Race Series event. The course features a challenging and fun combination of terrain with gorgeous views of the Texas Hill Country. Offering three race options focused around a 10 mile course, you can complete the 50k option to qualify for the Leadville Trail 100 Run. The team at Strambecco considers it to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the South Central region.
The Austin Rattler Run isn’t your average trail running event. It’s a festival, a celebration, and a challenge all rolled into one. The Austin Rattler MTB takes place simultaneously with the trail running event creating a great festival atmosphere. As with all Leadville Race Series events, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate your finish in local style with live music, BBQ, and beer at the lakeside post-race party. Held at the stunning Reveille Peak Ranch, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of Texas Hill Country, with its sparkling lakes and rolling hills. But don’t let the scenic views fool you, the trails are challenging, offering a perfect mix of singletrack and fast-fire roads.
Event & Course Info
The Austin Rattler Run venue, Reveille Peak Ranch, boasts over 62 miles of trails that wind through 1,300 acres of stunning Hill Country terrain. From challenging technical routes to smoother, flowing sections, runners will find plenty to keep their adrenaline pumping. The trails offer a mix of rocky outcrops, wooded sections, and open fields, providing a diverse trail running experience. The ranch is well-known its well-maintained trails make it a favorite among local and visiting runners alike.
The 10-mile loop features a mix of terrain (60% single track / 40% jeep roads) that challenges runners while offering scenic views of the Texas Hill Country. 50K Runners will do 3 loops, 20M Runners will do 2 loops, 10M Runners will do 1 loop. The course is nothing ordinary.
Things kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the 50K start. Those looking to qualify for Leadville must complete the 50K race in less than eight hours and 30 minutes.
One aid station is strategically placed at the start/finish area, and riders are encouraged to plan accordingly as there are no on-course aid stations. The start/finish support includes water, PowerBar, and Coke, ensuring that you have the essentials to refuel and recharge. A neutral bag drop area is also available at the start/finish aid station, allowing you to access your personal supplies as you pass through to start your next lap.
Starting at 10:00 a.m., the Finish Festival includes live music from a local band, beer, food, and great company. Awards will be given to the top 5 males, females, and non-binary riders overall. It’s not just a race; it’s an endurance celebration, Texas-style. Check out all of the nitty gritty details in the official 2023 Runner Guide.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The Highland Lakes of Burnet County, nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, showcases natural beauty and warm Texan hospitality. Visitors can indulge in activities like fishing in clear lake waters, exploring awe-inspiring water-carved caverns, and experiencing tranquility in pristine parks and nature preserves. The area is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
The most convenient accommodations for Austin Rattler Run participants would be to camp on site at Reveille Peak Ranch with has 250+ primitive campsites and a handful of RV hookups with water and electricity. On-site facilities include restrooms/changing rooms with showers. Best Western, Hidden Falls Inn at Lake Marble Falls, and Thunderbird Lodge. Both Canyon of the Eagles and Lone Star Court are luxury hotels near Reveille Peak Ranch. There are also many vacation rentals in the area that suit a variety of needs from cottages to earthen homes.
The culinary scene in Burnet, TX, is a delightful mix of traditional Texan flavors and unique local eateries, offering everything from savory barbecue and Tex-Mex staples to cozy cafes and family-owned restaurants. Visitors can expect hearty portions, friendly service, and a taste of authentic Southern and Texan hospitality. For local culture and products, try Odd Duck; modern Mexican can be found at ATX Cocina and standard Texas steakhouse at Jeffrey’s. More local favorites include Warehouse BBQ and Meetery, Bill’s Burgers Wings & Things, and Mama’s Home Cooking.
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Burnet, TX, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and November, with its cooler temperatures and scenic beauty, is the perfect time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to explore the trails at Reveille Peak Ranch – the trails take runners/hikers/cyclists through a variety of ecosystems, from dense woodlands to open fields, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable run.
For those who prefer vertical adventures, Longhorn Cavern State Park offers a unique rock climbing experience. The park is home to ancient limestone formations, creating a challenging and scenic climbing environment. With a variety of routes available, climbers of all abilities can test their skills while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings. Beyond climbing, the park is famous for its underground cavern tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning formations and learn about the area’s geological history.
Burnet is situated in close proximity to the Highland Lakes, a chain of seven stunning lakes offering endless water-based activities. For paddling enthusiasts, the lakes provide an excellent opportunity to kayak or canoe in a serene setting. Inks Lake State Park, in particular, is a favorite spot, with its calm waters and scenic shores. Paddlers can explore the lake’s numerous coves, take in the vibrant fall foliage, and even stop at the park’s designated swimming area for a refreshing dip. With rental options available, it’s easy for visitors to get out on the water and enjoy a day of paddling in the beautiful Hill Country.
Related Events
The Leadville Race Series started in 1983 with just a single race through the Rocky Mountains. Produced by Life Time Events, it has expanded in the United States with multiple running and biking events. For trail running, the series includes the following summer events presented by La Sportiva; Leadville Trail 100 Run, Austin Rattler Run, Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half, Silver Rush 5 Run, and Leadville Trail 10K. Due to popularity and participant demand, the challenging series also invites runners to a 3-day Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp. It is a long weekend of getting to know your fellow racers through intense training with expert runners and celebrating the amazing scenery of the Rocky Mountains with great food and trails.
The Leadville Race Series for mountain biking includes: Wilmington Whiteface, Lutsen 99er, Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, Barn Burner, Leadville 100, and Tahoe Trail. These are all considered by our team to be some of the Best Mountain Bike Events in New England, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest and Colorado and the Rockies.
The Austin Rattler MTB is organized by Life Time Events, which owns and operates some of the highest-regarded road riding, trail running, mountain biking, and gravel races worldwide. Other Life Time Events include Unbound Gravel (formerly Dirty Kanza), Sea Otter Classic, Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Gravel, and many more.
Other Best in Class Trail running events that take place in Texas include the XTERRA ATX Trail Run which is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, in addition to the Brazos Bend 50 / 100 organized by Trail Racing Over Texas and a UTMB and Western States qualifier.
For the multi-sport athletes out there, another top rated event held in Texas is the Gravel Locos Hico from the Gravel Locos Productions team, one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the South Central region, while one of the premier Road Cycling Events in the South Central region, L’Etape San Antonio which is part of the L’Etape Event Series, is also held in-state.
