Austin's Backyard Marathon
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Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run
Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run takes place on May 23, 2026 in Leander / Lago Vista, Texas (16900 Cherry Ln). The event includes an officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra, a Memorial Day Remembrance Marathon, and a Memorial Day Remembrance Half-Marathon. The venue is on trails around a peninsula on Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country.
Format and course
The event uses a backyard ultra format on a single loop of 4.167 miles (6.706 km). Each loop must be completed within 60 minutes to continue; a new loop begins at the top of each hour. The course surface is 100% trail with mixed surfaces and some technical sections; there are no paved portions. The route uses the southern part of the park during daytime and the northern section at night, creating different terrain and navigation for runners over extended hours. Aid stations are provided on course.
Distances, awards and logistics
- 4 loops : Half marathon (13.1 miles)
- 7 loops : Marathon (26.2 miles)
- 8+ loops : Ultra distance
A finisher medal is awarded for completing at least one loop. Additional medals correspond to the half marathon, marathon, and ultra achievements. The last runner to complete a loop is declared the overall winner and the event is pursuing Bronze Ticket qualifying status. Included items listed by the organizer: event entry, custom event T-shirt, finisher medal, aid station support, and custom challenge coins/medals for finishers. Tent and crew areas have space limits and a one-tent, one-table rule per participant/crew. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
