The Backland
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Event overview
Nature Nate's The Backland is a last-man-standing trail race held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, near the Texas-Oklahoma border in Gordonville, Texas. The event takes place at Walnut Creek Resort & Marina, 1075 Walnut Creek Rd, Gordonville, TX 76245. Registration opens February 1, 2026.
Race format and rules
The race uses a repeated loop format. Runners have one hour to complete a single 4.5-mile loop, called a "land." Every hour a new loop begins; runners who do not finish the loop within the hour or who choose to stop are eliminated and must ring the bell. The field for the last-man-standing competition is limited to 60 participants. Starting in 2025, the event does not allow ties.
There is an optional pre-race camp out on the evening before race day. Camping and cabin lodging are available at the resort.
Awards and amenities
All finishers receive a Backland long sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer. The last person remaining is awarded a $1000 cash prize, a trophy, and a six-pack of beer or root beer. Additional awards include belt buckles for mileage milestones:
- 103.5 miles (23 lands) - 100-mile belt buckle
- 153 miles (34 lands) - golden 150-mile belt buckle
A trophy is given for the best start/finish line setup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
