The Backland
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Event details
Nature Nate's The Backland is a last-man-standing trail race near the Texas and Oklahoma border. The event takes place at Walnut Creek Resort & Marina, 1075 Walnut Creek Rd, Gordonville, TX. The course is mostly trail with some road. Entry to the last-man-standing competition is limited to 60 participants. An optional pre-race camp out is held the evening before the race. Lodging options at the resort include tent camping and cabins.
Race format, rules, and awards
Runners have 1 hour to complete each loop, called a "land." Failure to finish a land within the hour or choosing to quit eliminates the runner; eliminated participants signal by ringing a bell. The last remaining runner is titled The Backland Champion. A new rule starting in 2025 disallows ties.
Distances:
- 4.5-mile loop
- 103.5 miles (23 lands) - earns a 100-mile belt buckle
- 153 miles (34 lands) - earns a golden 150-mile belt buckle
The last person standing receives a $1000 cash prize, a trophy, and a six-pack of beer or root beer. All finishers receive a Backland long sleeve shirt and a beer or root beer. A trophy is awarded for the best start/finish line setup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
