The Gambler Last Man Standing

The Gambler Last Man Standing - Pelham, AL

The Gambler Last Man Standing is a lap-style running competition organized by The Running Birds. It is the 2nd annual edition and uses a repeating loop format on a marked course at Oak Mountain State Park.

Each lap is a 2-mile loop that must be completed within the allotted time to remain in the event. For laps 1 through 50 the standard time limit is 40 minutes; failure to complete a lap within the time limit results in elimination. After lap 50 time limits decrease by two minutes per lap and certain rules change.

Competitors earn a poker chip for every completed lap. Each chip represents $1 and runners can accumulate up to 50 chips (100 miles). Chips may be cashed out or donated at the following milestones if the corresponding lap is completed within the time limit:

• 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 competition. The last person to start and finish a lap alone and within the time limit is the Last Man Standing and wins the Last Man Standing Bucket. The bucket starts at $200 and also receives chips donated or forfeited by eliminated runners. If there is no qualifying solo final lap the bucket goes to the event organizer.

Pacers are permitted only between 20 and 100 miles, with one pacer on course at a time. The course is mostly trail with some short road sections, includes a lakeside portion, and has an elevation gain of 183 feet per 2-mile loop. A full service aid station operates at the start/finish area; the event is cup less so competitors must bring their own cup or bottle. Participants must be 19 or older. There are nearby hotels and park cabins and camping options. No refunds are offered; entries may be transferred or deferred. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.