Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run

🏃‍♂️ Austin's Backyard Marathon

🏅 How Far Will You Go?

"So, the last shall be first, and the first last"

🌳 Texas Hill Country Paradise

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, our event takes place in Lago Vista, just 30 miles northwest of Austin. The course winds around a peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, offering stunning water views and the natural beauty of Central Texas. Experience the perfect blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes that will keep you motivated hour after hour.

🗓️ Event Details

• Date: 2026-05-23
• Location: 16900 Cherry Ln, Leander, TX
• Event: Memorial Day Remembrance Run
• More Info: Austin's Backyard Marathon

🚀 The Backyard Ultra Format

Last Person Standing Challenge

This is an officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra. Complete each 4.167-mile loop within 60 minutes to continue. A new loop starts at the top of each hour.

Following our successful 2025 inaugural event, we are working toward Bronze Ticket qualifying status for 2026. Check back for updates on our certification progress!

Memorial Day Remembrance Run

While the last runner standing wins the overall championship and qualifying spot, you’re welcome to participate according to your own goals. Many runners choose to complete a specific number of loops rather than competing in the last-person-standing challenge.

You’ll earn recognition based on your achievement: Complete 1 loop (4-miles) for a woodallion, 4 loops for half marathon medal, 7 loops for marathon medal, or 8+ loops for ultra medal. Simply notify race staff when you’ve reached your personal goal.

The Rules for the Last Runner Standing Are Simple:

• The course: is a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop
• New loop: starts at the top of each hour
• Completion: Participants must complete each loop within the hour to continue
• Elimination: Runners are eliminated if they fail to complete a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop

📏 Race Distance Equivalents

• Half Marathon: 4 Loops - 13.1 miles
• Marathon: 7 Loops - 26.2 miles
• 50K: 8 Loops - 31 miles
• 100K: 15 Loops - 62 miles

🌄 Unique Course Features

Day Course (7 AM - 7 PM)

During daylight hours, runners will navigate the southern part of the park. This loop winds around a peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, through more densely wooded areas with water views. The southern course follows the natural contours of the lake, with numerous bends and turns that prevent monotony.

Night Course (7 PM - 7 AM)

As darkness falls, the competition shifts to the northern section of the park. This nighttime challenge presents a completely different set of obstacles and terrain, forcing runners to adapt their strategies and pacing. This course switch adds a fascinating tactical element to the race, especially for those pushing well into the night hours.

"This variation in terrain—from exposed shoreline paths to shaded forest sections, and from day to night routes—will provide crucial diversity over extended hours of running."

🏆 Awards

• Finisher Medal: Complete at least one loop
• Half Marathon Medal: Complete 4 loops (13.1 miles)
• Marathon Medal: Complete 7 loops (26.2 miles)
• Overall Winner: Last Person Standing wins the championship

🎁 What’s Included

• Event Entry: Access to this unique endurance challenge in the Texas Hill Country
• Custom Event T-shirt: Commemorative shirt to remember your achievement
• Finisher’s Medal: Earn a medal by completing at least one loop
• Aid Station Support: Fully stocked aid stations to keep you going hour after hour

🔖 Ready to Test Your Limits?

Join us for this unique endurance challenge in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. How many loops can you complete?