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The Gambler Last Man Standing

Pelham, United States • 28 Feb 2026

Event format and rules

The Gambler Last Man Standing is a lap-style competition held by The Running Birds. Each lap is a 2-mile loop that must be completed within 40 minutes to remain in the competition. Every completed lap earns a poker chip worth $1; competitors may collect up to 50 chips (100 miles). Competitors may choose to "cash out" at set milestone laps by turning in chips and leaving the event; cash-out is final. To be declared the last man standing, a competitor must start and complete the final lap alone. All participants must be at least 19 years old.

After lap 50 (100 miles) the rules change: no more poker chips, no cash-outs, no pacers, and each subsequent lap’s time limit decreases by 2 minutes. Pacers are allowed only between 20 and 100 miles and only one pacer may be on course with a runner at a time. All runners must start each lap together at the official start.

Course, logistics, aid, and awards

The course is a clearly marked two-mile loop at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, mostly on trails with some short road sections and a lakeside portion. Each loop has 183 feet of elevation gain. The start/finish area provides space for tents and personal aid stations; crews may assist only in that area, not on the course.

A full-service aid station will operate at the start/finish area each lap. This is a cup-less event; runners must bring their own cups or bottles. Park entry requires a $5 cash fee. Key awards and milestone swag include: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

  • 7 laps (14 miles) - custom finisher’s medal
  • 14 laps (28 miles) - custom T-shirt
  • 25 laps (50 miles) - custom 50-mile poker chip
  • 50 laps (100 miles) - custom 100-mile belt buckle
  • Last Man Standing Bucket starts at $200 and is awarded to the final winner.
United States Alabama Pelham

Race information

Registration Facebook
2-Mile Loop
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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