The Backland
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The Backland
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. The event uses the motto "Run Till You Can't."
The race format limits the competition to 60 entrants. Competitors run repeated 4.5 mile loops called "lands." Runners have one hour to complete each land. Each land begins on the hour; runners who finish a land within the hour must wait for the next start before continuing. Runners who fail to complete a land within the hour or who quit are eliminated and ring the bell. The last person remaining is titled The Backland Champion. A rule introduced for 2025 states that no ties are allowed.
Prizes and awards include a $1000 cash prize for the last person standing, a large 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 103.5 miles (23 lands) receive a 100-mile belt buckle; runners who reach 153 miles (34 lands) receive a golden 150-mile belt buckle. A trophy is awarded for the best start/finish setup.
Optional pre-race camping is available. Traveling participants may tent at the start/finish line, reserve a campsite, or stay in a cabin at Walnut Creek Resort. Additional course, aid station, and policy information is provided by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
