Austin's Backyard Ultra

Austin's Backyard Marathon

Austin's Backyard Marathon is a last-person-standing backyard ultra held at Turkey Bend Recreation Area in the Texas Hill Country, about 45 miles northwest of Austin. The park covers 1,146 acres along the Colorado River and features riverfront shoreline, woodland trails, camping, restrooms, and ample parking.

The event uses a repeating loop format. Participants run a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop each hour and must complete each loop within the hour to continue. Runners are eliminated if they fail to finish a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop. The event is organized as a 24-hour last-person-standing challenge; the final runner to complete a loop is declared the overall winner. A recommended maximum pace of 14:22 minutes per mile is noted for completing the hourly loop.

All participants who complete at least one loop receive a finisher's medal, with special recognition and medals for half-marathon, marathon, and ultra distances. Entry includes a custom event t-shirt and aid station support. Stocked aid stations provide hydration, snacks such as fruit, cookies, breakfast bars, chips, soft drinks, and medical assistance. Course surfaces are approximately half trail and half paved, with some technical sections. Animals are not allowed at the event.

The event follows Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact. Registration includes park entry for the participant; separate park fees apply for additional visitors and spectators. The organizer does not offer refunds except under specified cancellation conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.