Big Tex Backyard Ultra

Event Overview

The Big Tex Backyard Ultra takes place at Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe allowing a large grass area for personal aid setup around our group dining hall screen shelter as well as reserved campsites and full hookup RV sites. The group dining hall area hosts a large grass area for runners to set up personal crew spots.

Course Details

• Trail Type: The SFA State Park has a network of wide, well-maintained trails, primarily crushed gravel, with minimal elevation change.
• Distance: The event features a 4.17 mile "yard" starting every hour, on the hour.
• Event Format: It is a "last runner standing" format until there is only one remaining.
• Qualifying Races: 2026 is a Bronze Ticket race to Laz's Big Dog's Backyard road to the 2027 Silver Ticket Races to the 2028 National Championships to the 2029 Backyard World Championships.

New Features for 2026

• Last Rucker Standing: A new division will coincide with the Last Runner Standing on a shorter course (final distance TBD).
• Ruck Loop: Expect a ruck loop of between 2.5 and 3.1 miles.
• Weight Rules: If you weigh under 150lbs, a 20lb ruck: if over, a 30lb weight applies.
• Patches: Ruckers will receive a Big Tex Backyard Ultra patch in addition to the race swag.

Participant Benefits

• Hoodies: All participants will receive a Big Tex hoodie.
• Customized Posters: Participants will get a special customized poster with their completed yards stamped.
• Aid Station Support: Fully stocked aid station support will be provided.
• Buckle Awards: Runners completing 24 yards will receive a 100mi buckle.

Backyard Format Rules

• Mile Breakdown: 100 miles divided into 24 hours gives you 4.167 miles for a "yard" (lap).
• Starting Requirements: Runners must finish within the hour and return to the starting corral for the next yard.
• Aid Restrictions: Once on the course, no aid from crew or other individuals is permitted.
• Check-Out Rule: You must check out with the race director if unable to complete a yard or decide not to begin the next yard.

Overall Cash Prize Rules

The overall winner of the Last Runner Standing, per backyard rules, must complete one more yard than everyone else: otherwise, there is no winner. The seconder payout will go to the seconder with the fastest completed final lap if more than one seconder.

Event Information

For more details, visit the race page: Big Tex Backyard Ultra.