Sam's Last Stand

Event overview

Sam's Last Stand is a fatass-style trail race that follows the entire Lone Star Hiking Trail through Sam Houston National Forest, north of Houston. The event covers 96 miles from Trailhead 1 to Trailhead 15 near Cleveland. Entry is limited to 25 runners. Participants must complete the route within a 36-hour cutoff and finishes are manually logged for ranking.

Course, support and rules

Minimal water caches will be provided along the course and drop bags are allowed at official waypoints. Waypoints will be stocked with 1-gallon jugs of drinking water that may be used only by runners and pacers; water must be taken from jugs into a personal container and may not be poured over the body. Drop bags are limited in size - quart freezer bags for small bags and up to 1.5 gal / 6L for large bags - and must be labeled with the runner and waypoint. Pacers are permitted beginning at mile 20, one pacer at a time, and may mule for a runner but may not have their own drop bag. Crewing is allowed after mile 20 with one crew vehicle per runner and restrictions on parking at certain points. Runners must load the route on their phone and show proof at bib pickup or the start. Participants must follow Leave No Trace principles; failure to comply may result in disqualification. Registration fees help fund water caches and an LSHT patch, with leftover funds donated to the LSHT Club. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.