The Backland
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The Backland - Last Man Standing Run
The Backland is a last man standing trail race near the Texas and Oklahoma border held at Walnut Creek Resort in Gordonville, Texas on December 6, 2025. The course is mostly trail with some road and is organized around a repeated loop called a "land" that measures 4.5 miles. Participants must complete each land within one hour; every hour a new land begins and runners who do not finish within the time limit or who quit must ring the bell and are eliminated. A rule starting in 2025 prohibits ties.
Registration details for the event include a yearly opening on February 1 and a limit of 60 spots for the year noted. Registration fee is set to be $150 beginning in 2026. Camping and cabin lodging are available at the resort for out of town travelers.
Prizes and finish items are provided. All finishers receive a Backland long sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer. Specific distance achievements earn belt buckles: 103.5 miles (23 lands) awards the Backland 100-mile buckle, and 153 miles (34 lands) awards the Backland golden 150-mile buckle. The last person standing receives a $1000 cash prize, a trophy, and a six pack of beer or root beer. A trophy is also presented for the best start/finish setup.
An onsite aid station under the pavilion supplies beverages, hot food, snacks, and basic medical equipment. The event is livestreamed by Infinite Endurance Network. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.