The Gambler Last Man Standing

Format and rules

The Gambler Last Man Standing is a lap-style running event on February 28, 2026, held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Competitors run repeated 2-mile loops. Each loop must be completed within a 40-minute window; failure to complete a loop within the limit results in elimination. Each completed lap earns a poker chip worth $1, up to 50 chips (100 miles). Competitors may "cash out" after specific laps by exchanging chips for cash and leaving the competition; cash-out is final. If a runner continues and is later eliminated, their chips go into the Last Man Standing Bucket. To claim the Last Man Standing Bucket, a runner must start and complete the final lap solo. Participants must be 19 or older. All runners must start each lap together; no runner may begin the next lap until an official start is given.

Cash-out milestones:

• 5 laps - 10 miles
• 10 laps - 20 miles
• 15 laps - 30 miles
• 20 laps - 40 miles
• 25 laps - 50 miles
• 30 laps - 60 miles
• 35 laps - 70 miles
• 40 laps - 80 miles
• 45 laps - 90 miles
• 50 laps - 100 miles

Course, logistics, and awards

The course is a clearly marked two-mile loop, mostly trail with short road sections and a segment beside a lake. Elevation gain is 183 feet per loop. Pacers are allowed only between 20 and 100 miles, one pacer at a time; no pacers before 20 miles or after 100 miles. After 100 miles (lap 51 and beyond), poker chips and cash-out options end, pacers are not allowed, and each lap’s time limit decreases by 2 minutes per lap. A full-service aid station will be available at the start/finish area each lap; this is a cup-less event so runners must bring their own cup or bottle. Award milestones include a finisher medal at 7 laps (14 miles), a T-shirt at 14 laps (28 miles), a custom 50-mile poker chip at 25 laps, and a custom 100-mile belt buckle at 50 laps. The Last Man Standing Bucket begins with $200. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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