The Backland
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The Backland - Event overview
The Backland is a last-man-standing trail race held at Walnut Creek Resort & Marina in Gordonville, TX, near the Texas and Oklahoma border. The course is run mostly on trail with some road sections. Entry to the last-man-standing competition is limited to 60 participants.
Runners must complete a 4.5-mile loop, known as a "land," within one hour to remain in the race. A new land begins each hour; runners who do not finish a land within the hour or who choose to stop are eliminated and must ring the bell. A rule beginning in 2025 specifies that ties are not allowed. The final remaining runner is titled The Backland Champion and receives a $1000 cash prize, a trophy, and a six-pack of beer or root beer.
All finishers receive a Backland long sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer. Runners who reach set mileage milestones receive belt buckles: completion of 103.5 miles (23 lands) earns The Backland 100-mile belt buckle, and completion of 153 miles (34 lands) earns The Backland golden 150-mile belt buckle. A trophy is awarded for the best start/finish setup at the event. Overnight options at the venue include tent camping at the start/finish line, reserving a campsite, or staying in a cabin at Walnut Creek Resort & Marina. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
