Logo

The Backland

Gordonville, United States • 5 Dec 2026

The Backland

The Backland is a last-man-standing trail race. The event takes place near the Texas and Oklahoma border at Walnut Creek Resort & Marina in Gordonville, Texas.

The competition is limited to 60 participants. The race is run on mostly trail, with some road sections. The event operates on a loop system. Every hour, a gun signals the start of a new "land." Runners have one hour to complete a 4.5-mile loop. If a runner finishes a loop within the hour, they wait for the next start signal. If a runner does not finish a loop within one hour, or if they quit, they are eliminated.

The last person standing wins a $1000 cash prize, a large trophy, and a six-pack of beer or root beer. No ties are allowed.

Rewards

  • All participants receive a long-sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer.
  • Runners who complete 103.5 miles (23 loops) receive The Backland 100-mile belt buckle.
  • Runners who complete 153 miles (34 loops) receive a special golden 150-mile belt buckle.
  • The runner with the best setup at the start/finish line receives a trophy for best setup.

Pre-Race Information An optional pre-race camp out is available on Friday evening. Packet pickup is available on race morning. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States Texas Gordonville

Race information

Website Registration
153 mi
150-Mile Belt Buckle Distance
104 mi
100-Mile Belt Buckle Distance
5 mi
Last Man Standing Loop
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Monkey Butt Mayhem

Gordonville

Monkey Butt Mayhem is a timed trail challenge on a short, steep loop in Texas. Runners choose a 3 or 6 hour limit to complete as many loops as possible, conquering the infamous 100 foot climb on Monkey Butt Hill. Crews can set up every thir..

Outlast Dallas Fort Worth

Valley View

Test your endurance at Lake Ray Roberts in a six hour trail challenge where runners must complete a 5K every hour to stay in the race.

Texoma Challenge

Denison

...

The Texoma Challenge offers a range of distances on a scenic 6.2-mile trail loop at Waterloo Park in Denison. This nighttime event requires a headlamp and is part of the Texas Summer Night Series. All participants get a t-shirt, with finish..

Naughty Hog Trail Run

Valley View

...

Experience the Naughty Hog Trail Run at Ray Roberts Lake State Park with distances from 5k to 100k. Run through rooty dirt trails and scenic loops with significant elevation gain and full aid station support.