Matagorda: The Gulf Coast Trail Running Festival

Matagorda: Gulf Coast Trail Running Festival

The festival takes place at LCRA’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park in Matagorda, Texas, where the Colorado River meets the Gulf. All races start and finish at the pavilion, which is the central hub for crews, coolers, and aid.

Events include:

• Gulf Coast Backyard Ultra, 4.167 mile loop repeated hourly
• Matagorda Marathon, 26.51 miles, six laps then pavilion
• Matagorda Half Marathon, 13.57 miles, three laps then pavilion
• Matagorda 10K, 6.20 miles, two out and backs
• Matagorda 5K, 3.10 miles, one out and back
• Half Marathon Ruck, 13.1 miles, same course as the half marathon

The course runs on packed sand, rock levee, open beach, and crushed granite in that order. Most of the course works with road shoes; rock levee and softer beach sections favor trail shoes. Elevation is low, roughly 56 feet of gain per lap on Strava and near zero net on the out and back.

The Backyard Ultra format requires completing one loop within an hour and starting the next loop on the hour; failure to finish a loop within the hour eliminates a runner. The Backyard has no fixed finish line; the winner is the last runner who completes one more loop than all others. Camp and crew areas are near the pavilion and are accessible during laps.

This is a cupless event. The main aid station at the pavilion is fully stocked with cold water, electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit, and simple snacks. Packet pickup is on race morning. Participants have park entry included in registration; crew and spectators must obtain day passes and park entry is limited on a first come first served basis. RV sites require a portable cooking stove and beach camping is available free for up to 72 hours. Ruck rules set a dry minimum pack weight of 20 lb for those under 150 lb and 30 lb for those 150 lb or over, with weigh in and final checks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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