The Backland
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The Backland : Last Person Standing Run
The Backland is a last person standing trail race held near the Texas and Oklahoma border. The course is run mostly on trail with a small amount of road and uses a 4.5 mile loop called a "land."
The event is limited to 80 competitors. Each land must be completed within one hour; runners who do not finish a land within the hour or who quit are eliminated and ring the bell. The race continues with repeated lands until only one runner remains. Starting in 2025, ties are not allowed.
The listed date for the event is Saturday, December 6, 2025. The venue is Walnut Creek Resort at 1075 Walnut Creek Rd, Gordonville, Texas. Registration opens each year on February 1. Registration is $150 starting in 2026. Packet pickup is provided prior to the event.
All finishers receive a Backland long sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer. Runners who complete 103.5 miles (23 lands) receive a 100-mile belt buckle; runners who complete 153 miles (34 lands) receive a golden 150-mile belt buckle. The last person standing receives a $1000 cash prize, a trophy, and a six-pack of beer or root beer. A trophy is also awarded for best start/finish setup.
An aid station under the pavilion supplies beverages including hot chocolate, coffee, water, local beer and electrolyte drink, plus food such as chicken tortilla soup, macaroni and cheese, PB&J, fruits, cookies and chips. The race is livestreamed by Infinite Endurance Network. Camping and cabin options are available at Walnut Creek Resort. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
