The Iron Turtle
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About the race
The Iron Turtle is a Last Runner Standing backyard ultra held at Lake Lurleen in Coker, AL (13226 Lake Lurleen Rd). The basic format requires runners to complete a 4 mile loop every hour, with each consecutive lap beginning exactly on the hour, and continue until they stop competing.
Organizers run two competitive divisions, male and female, and will crown a Last Runner Standing in each division. The event emphasizes personal records; runners who miss a cut-off may continue unofficially to reach a mileage goal and those distances will be recorded on Ultrasignup. Runners who achieve a PR receive a commemorative sticker.
The course is a well groomed trail loop with minimal elevation, about 270 feet of gain per lap, and is roughly 95% single track and 5% paved road. The start and finish are located at a pavilion in front of the main bridge. A well stocked aid station at the start/finish offers food, electrolytes, and lunch and dinner options for long duration participants. There is ample space for parking and campsite setups in the surrounding pavilions.
Additional features include a mascotive squawking chicken that signals lap starts, a possible shoot out after 12 hours if all remaining runners agree, and a potential leap frog tag team division where teammates alternate loops. Organizers provide music and on course support. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
