Big Tex Backyard Ultra

Big Tex Backyard Ultra : October 18, 2025, San Felipe, Texas

The Big Tex Backyard Ultra is a last-runner-standing trail event at Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe, Texas. The park area provides a large grass space around a group dining hall for personal aid setups, reserved campsites, and full-hookup RV sites. The course uses a network of wide, well-maintained trails that are primarily crushed gravel with minimal elevation change. All participants receive a Big Tex hoodie and a customized poster showing completed yards; runners who complete 24 yards receive a 100-mile buckle.

Format, course rules and support

The backyard format uses repeated laps called "yards." Each yard is approximately 4.17 miles. A new yard starts every hour and runners must finish the lap and be in the starting corral before the top of the hour to continue. Once on the course, runners may not receive aid from crew or non-competitors and may not leave the course except for restrooms. No pacers or artificial aids, including trekking poles, are allowed. Runners must check out with the race director if they cannot complete a yard or choose not to start the next one.

Event support includes a fully stocked aid station at the start/finish area, a timing tent, and a medical treatment area. Aid station items listed include water, electrolytes, sandwiches, snacks, and limited medical supplies. Non-runner guests age 13 and older require a park pass. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.