8th Annual Violet Crown Trail Fun Run

Hill Country Conservancy is hosting the 8th Annual Violet Crown Trail Fun Run on Saturday, September 26, at the Whirlpool Cave Preserve. It's an untimed trail run on the Violet Crown Trail, and it's timed to fall on National Public Lands Day, so it's as much about celebrating the land as it is about getting outside. The trail itself is one of the city's great connective threads, linking neighborhoods, wooded areas, and urban parks across Austin.

Because it's untimed, you can take it however you like: run, walk, skip, or roll. It's open to all ages and abilities, so it works just as well for a family outing as it does for someone who actually wants to put in some miles. Dogs are welcome, too. Everyone who finishes gets a branded T-shirt, socks, and a finisher medal. The morning wraps up with a finish-line celebration that brings together local businesses and nonprofit trail partners, with refreshments and some information on the Edwards Aquifer.

If you're feeling adventurous, there's an optional underground tour of Whirlpool Cave available as a separate add-on, so you can head below the surface after you've finished on top of it. The proceeds from the event go toward the continued growth and stewardship of the trail and the Conservancy's broader mission to protect the Texas Hill Country.

The run takes place at the Whirlpool Trailhead, Violet Crown Trail, Austin, TX 78749, and it runs from 8 AM to 5 PM. Entry is free.