The Gambler Last Man Standing
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The Event
The Gambler Last Man Standing is a lap-based competition held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Participants run a 2-mile loop that must be completed within a 40-minute time limit. A new lap starts every 40 minutes; failure to finish a lap within the limit results in elimination. The event continues until only one runner remains.
The Format
The event incorporates a gambling theme. For each lap completed within the time limit, a runner earns one poker chip, representing one dollar. Runners may accumulate chips up to the 100-mile mark (50 laps). At designated lap milestones (e.g., lap 10 for 20 miles, lap 25 for 50 miles), runners can choose to "cash out," exchanging their chips for cash money and exiting the competition. If a runner continues past a milestone but later fails to complete a lap, their accumulated chips are forfeited to the "Last Man Standing Bucket."
Rule Changes After 100 Miles
After completing 50 laps (100 miles), the format changes:
- Runners can no longer earn poker chips or cash out.
- Pacers are not allowed.
- The time limit per lap decreases by 2 minutes each subsequent lap (e.g., 38 minutes for lap 51, 36 for lap 52).
To be declared the winner (Last Man Standing), the final runner must start and complete a final lap solo, within the time limit. That runner wins all money in the Last Man Standing Bucket.
The Course
The course is a marked, 2-mile loop on mostly trails with some road sections. It features views of a lake and has an elevation gain of 183 feet per loop.
Participant Information
- The event requires participants to be 19 or older.
- Pacers are allowed only between the 20-mile and 100-mile marks, with one pacer at a time.
- Crews can set up in the start/finish area, but no aid is allowed on the course.
- An aid station at the start/finish provides food and hydration; it is a cup-less event.
- Check-in is on race day from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM at the White Oak Pavilion. A pre-race briefing is at 6:30 AM.
- Entry into the state park requires a $5 cash fee.
Awards
Participants receive items upon reaching certain distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Half-Marathon (7 laps / 14 miles): Custom finisher's medal.
- Marathon (14 laps / 28 miles): Custom T-shirt.
- 50 miles (25 laps): Custom 50-mile poker chip.
- 100 miles (50 laps): Custom 100-mile belt buckle.
- Last Man Standing: All money in the Last Man Standing Bucket.
