Matagorda: The Gulf Coast Trail Running Festival
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Matagorda: Gulf Coast Trail Running Festival
This two-day event at LCRA's Matagorda Bay Nature Park runs February 13-14, 2027, on a coastal out-and-back course that starts and finishes at the pavilion. The terrain alternates packed sand, rock levee, open beach, and crushed granite. Elevation per lap is small, roughly 30 to 60 feet depending on the device, with net elevation near zero.
Race formats and distances:
- Gulf Coast Backyard Ultra: 4.167 miles per loop
- Matagorda Marathon: 26.51 miles
- Matagorda Half Marathon: 13.57 miles
- Matagorda 10K: 6.20 miles
- Matagorda 5K: 3.10 miles
- Half Marathon Ruck: 13.1 miles with minimum pack weight
The Backyard Ultra uses an hourly loop format. Each loop must be completed within one hour to continue; the official winner is the last competitor to complete one more loop than all others. The event awards an official champion prize structure that includes per-mile pay for an official winner.
Aid is cupless; participants must provide their own cup or bottle. The main pavilion aid station offers cold water, electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks. Park entry for participants is included; crews and spectators require day passes and park entry is limited first-come, first-served. Typical February conditions are mild and often breezy, with many coastal birds present. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.