Last Person Standing Challenge

This is an officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra. Complete each 4.167-mile loop within 60 minutes to continue. A new loop starts at the top of each hour.

The Austin Backyard Ultra at Turkey Bend Recreation Area utilizes a dual-course strategy to manage the unique physical and mental demands of a last-person-standing event. This format requires runners to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour, and the transition between the Day and Night loops marks a pivotal shift in the race's narrative. By splitting the event into two distinct environments, the course design addresses the changing light conditions, runner safety, and the psychological "wall" that often hits during the transition from dusk to dawn.

The Day Loop is defined by its expansive views and technical engagement, tracing the perimeter of the Colorado River. Runners navigate a mix of winding single-track and open meadows that offer constant visual stimulation, which is essential for staying mentally "awake" during the early hours of the race. The terrain and occasional root-tangled sections through the northern wooded "hook" provide a classic Central Texas trail experience, rewarding those who maintain a steady, efficient gait while soaking in the waterfront scenery.

As the clock strikes 7:00 PM, the race shifts to the Night Loop, moving away from the exposed lakeside to the interior "spine" of the park. This course is built for "tunnel vision," prioritizing wider double-track and fire-break paths that are easier to navigate under the beam of a headlamp. While this loop may feel more repetitive, its predictability is a safety asset; it minimizes the risk of trips and falls when fatigue begins to compromise a runner’s proprioception and balance.

The transition between these two loops is where the race is often won or lost. The psychological shift from the "exploratory" feel of the Day Loop to the "rhythmic grind" of the Night Loop can be jarring, especially as the Central Texas humidity lingers after sunset. Successful runners treat the Night Loop as a moving meditation, relying on the high-visibility reflective markers to guide them through the darkness while the interior woods provide a natural windbreak and a quieter, more sheltered environment for the long midnight hours.

Logistically, both loops are anchored by a central start/finish corral located near the park’s main camping clusters to ensure seamless crew support. This "home base" serves as the emotional heart of the event, where runners can refuel and reset in the brief window between yards. Whether navigating the scenic riverside in the midday sun or grinding through the wooded interior under a canopy of stars, the dual-course layout ensures that the Austin Backyard Ultra remains a dynamic and strategically challenging test of endurance.

Saturday- Memorial Day Remembrance Run

Set Your Own Challenge for a Memorial Day Remembrance Run

While the last runner standing wins the overall championship and qualifying spot, you're welcome to participate according to your own goals. Many runners choose to complete a specific number of loops rather than competing in the last-person-standing challenge.

You'll earn recognition based on your achievement: Complete 1 loop (4-miles) for a woodallion, 4 loops for half marathon medal, 7 loops for marathon medal, or 8+ loops for ultra medal. Simply notify race staff when you've reached your personal goal.

Sunday — Memorial Day Remembrance Run (Run, Walk or Ruck)

While the trail may still hold a backyard ultra runner or two, somewhere past hour twenty, still answering the bell, a new group lines up at dawn.

The Memorial Day Remembrance Run is a chance to cover ground with purpose. Run in honor of someone. Run, ruck or walk in their memory. Run because you can, and they cannot.

Two distances. One course. No clock pressure.

• The 4 Mile March
• The 8 Mile March

If you share the trail with a backyard ultra runner on Sunday morning, give them room. Cheer for them. They've been out here since yesterday.

The Weekend

Remembrance Ceremony: A brief moment of silence and reflection will occur at the start line to honor the purpose of the day.

Same trail. Same community. Two completely different experiences of what it means to move through wild country with intention.

Day 1 takes everything you have. Day 2 gives it meaning.

The Rules for the Last Runner Standing Are Simple

• The course is a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop
• A new loop starts at the top of each hour
• Participants must complete each loop within the hour to continue
• Runners are eliminated if they fail to complete a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop
• The last person to complete a loop is declared the overall winner

Half Marathon

13.1 miles

Marathon

26.2 miles

50K

31 miles

50 Miles

50 miles

100K

62 miles

100 Miles

100 miles