The Gambler Last Man Standing

The Gambler Last Man Standing

The Gambler Last Man Standing is a lap-style running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The course is a clearly marked two-mile loop, mostly trails with short road sections and a lakeside portion, and has an elevation gain of 183 feet per loop. A full-service aid station is available at the start/finish area each lap; this is a cup-less event so runners must bring their own cup or bottle. There is parking and restroom access at the venue, and a $5 cash park entry fee.

The basic format requires completing each two-mile lap within a 40-minute limit. Each successful lap earns a poker chip worth one dollar. Competitors may cash out or donate accumulated chips at specific milestones:

• 5 laps (10 miles)
• 10 laps (20 miles)
• 15 laps (30 miles)
• 20 laps (40 miles)
• 25 laps (50 miles)
• 30 laps (60 miles)
• 35 laps (70 miles)
• 40 laps (80 miles)
• 45 laps (90 miles)
• 50 laps (100 miles)

If a competitor cashes out they are removed from the event and receive the cash value of their chips. Chips from eliminated runners who did not cash out go into a Last Man Standing Bucket to be awarded to the final winner. To be declared the last person standing a competitor must start and finish the final lap solo within the time limit. Participants must be 19 years or older.

After 100 miles (50 laps) poker chips and cash-outs end, pacers are no longer allowed, and each subsequent lap’s time limit is reduced by two minutes until one runner remains. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.