Austin's Backyard Marathon
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Event overview
Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run is scheduled for May 23, 2026 in Leander, Texas (16900 Cherry Ln). The event is presented in the Texas Hill Country near Lake Travis and Lago Vista, about 30 miles northwest of Austin. The race program includes an officially sanctioned Backyard Ultra, a Memorial Day Remembrance Marathon, and a Memorial Day Remembrance Half-Marathon. The event is pursuing Bronze Ticket qualifying status for 2026.
Format and course
The Backyard Ultra uses a repeating loop format. Each loop is 4.167 miles (6.706 km); participants must complete each loop within 60 minutes to continue. A new loop begins at the top of each hour and runners are eliminated if they fail to finish a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop. The event uses two different loop sections - a southern loop that follows a peninsula into Lake Travis with wooded and shoreline views, and a northern loop with different terrain used during nighttime hours. Course surface is 100% trail, with mixed surfaces and some technical sections; there are no paved portions. Aid stations are provided and described as fully stocked.
Distances and awards
- Half Marathon - 4 loops - 13.1 miles
- Marathon - 7 loops - 26.2 miles
- 50K - 8 loops - 31 miles
- 100 Miles - 24 loops - 100 miles
Medals are awarded for at least one completed loop, and tiered medals correspond to half marathon, marathon, and ultra distances. The last person to complete a loop is declared the overall winner and receives the qualifying Bronze Ticket. Tent and crew space is designated near the main day use/playground area, limited to one tent and one table per participant or crew. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.