Events
Austin's Backyard Marathon
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://fitfoundation.org.
Place
Leander, TX US 78645
Description
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.
Join us for the inaugural Austin's Backyard Marathon, a unique endurance event that allows you to push your limits in the beautiful Hill Country. This officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra is not just a race — it's a test of mental fortitude, strategic pacing, and physical endurance that will challenge you in ways you've never experienced.
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.
The May 2025 race is an official Bronze Ticket qualifying event! Our winner will earn a guaranteed spot in a 2025 Silver Ticket race on the road to the 2026 US Backyard Ultra National Team.
Set Your Own Challenge
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: 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 Are Simple
- The course is a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop
- A new loop starts at the top of each hour
- Participants must complete each loop within the hour to continue
- Runners are eliminated if they fail to complete a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop
- The last person to complete a loop is declared the overall winner
Race Distance Equivalents
Half Marathon
13.1 miles
Marathon
26.2 miles
50K
31 miles
50 Miles
50 miles
100K
62 miles
100 Miles
100 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. The course change also gives runners a mental reset at the 12-hour mark, which can be psychologically significant in a format that tests mental endurance as much as physical stamina."
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)
Ultra Medal
Complete 8+ loops (33.336+ miles)
Last Person Standing
Overall winner + Bronze Ticket
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?
Health Impact Rating
Custom Medal Add-On
Daytime Course Map
Night Course Map
Austin's Backyard Marathon Strategy Guide
Need help planning your race strategy? Visit https://fitfoundation.org/austins-backyard-races for our interactive Backyard Marathon Strategy Guide and find the perfect race plan for your Memorial Day's weekend adventure!
Lago Vista
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
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