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  • Home
  • Events
    • Austin's Backyard Ultra
    • Trails By Moonlight
    • Heart of Hill Country
    • Donut Dash
    • Colorado River Run
    • Holiday Victory Lap
    • New Year Trail Challenge
  • Trackers
    • Mental Wellness Tracking
    • Mental Wellness Insights
  • Training Resources
    • Solstice Circuit Training
    • Donut Dash Training Pack
    • 25K Training Plan
    • Sub 4-Hour 26.2M Training
    • 50K Training Plan
    • 52 Mile Training Plan
    • 100-Mile Training Plan
    • Articles, Newsletters
    • Mental Training
  • Travis County Kids Races
    • Wildflower Run
    • Moms May Day Dash
    • June Dads Day Dash
    • Back to School Bash
    • Fall Adventure Run
    • Harvest Run
    • Holiday Victory Lap
  • Partners and Sponsors
    • Partner with Us
  • Research and Reports
    • Health Impact Ratings
    • Publications and Reports
    • Survey

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It’s almost here!

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Austin's Backyard Marathon- officially sanctioned

Description

Join us for Austin's Backyard Marathon: Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra Challenge, a unique endurance event that pushes your limits in the beautiful Hill Country City of Lago Vista near Austin, Texas.

 

2026 Team Championship Bronze Ticket Qualifier

Austin's Backyard Ultra (May 2025) is an official Bronze Ticket qualifying event! Our winner will earn a guaranteed spot in the Summit Silver Ticket event (November 2025, TX) on the road to the 2026 US Backyard Ultra National Team.

Format

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

A Last Person Standing Challenge


This 24-Hour event combines personal goal-setting with the excitement of a last-person-standing format. From the format created by Lazarus Lake, participants will run a 4.1667 mile loop every hour until there is only one person standing. Run it fast, run it slow, run it how you want - you just have to be back in the starting area before the next loop starts! 

The course is a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop, with a new loop starting at the top of each hour. Participants must complete each loop within the hour (a 14:22 minute per mile pace maximum recommended) to continue, setting their own goals for distance or endurance. 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. 

Breakdown

Every participant who completes at least one loop receives a finisher's medal, with special recognition and medals for those achieving half marathon (4 loops, 16.668 miles), marathon (7 loops, 29.169 miles), and ultra (8+ loops, 33.336+ miles) distances. Run at your own pace, but remember to complete each loop within the hour. Whether you're aiming for a specific number of loops or seeing how long you can last, this event offers a challenge for every level of runner.

Your entry includes a custom event t-shirt, finisher's medal, aid station support. We'll recognize the overall last person standing, as well as the male and female runners who complete the most loops. 

Join us for this exciting format that combines the structure of traditional race distances with the unique challenge of a last runner standing backyard ultra. 

Location

Explore Lago Vista, patronize local businesses, and experience the warm hospitality of our community

Austin's Backyard Marathon: Half, Full, and Ultra Challenge takes place at Arkansas Bend Park, located in the scenic city of Lago Vista, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, approximately 30 miles northwest of Austin.  

Arkansas Bend Park sits on Lake Travis, a mere 45 minutes from downtown Austin, offering a perfect escape from city life while remaining easily accessible. This 323-acre peninsula juts into Lake Travis, providing stunning water views and diverse terrain that makes it feel like a hidden treasure right in Austin's extended backyard.

The park features:

  • Miles of shoreline
  • Multiple access points to Lake Travis
  • Scenic limestone bluffs
  • Dense woodland trails
  • Natural limestone steps
  • Diverse wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Boat ramps and fishing areas
  • Camping facilities
  • Clean restrooms throughout
  • Plenty of parking

Despite being so close to Austin, Arkansas Bend Park maintains a wild, untamed feel that makes trail runners feel like they've discovered a secret natural paradise. The mix of technical trails, water views, and varied terrain creates an ideal training and racing environment for the trail running community.

We encourage participants to explore Lago Vista during their visit, patronize local businesses, and experience the warm hospitality of our community. Together, we're creating an event that benefits runners, spectators, and the entire Lago Vista community. 

Event  location

Event Details

Aid Stations and Course Terrain Details

Stocked aid stations will be placed along the course, providing hydration, nutrition, and medical assistance to ensure participants' safety and well-being.  We'll have a variety of snacks available including fruit, cookies, breakfast bars, chips, and soft drinks.


Surface Type: 100% Trail

  • Mixed trail surface
  • Some technical sections
  • No paved portions

Animal Policy

Animals are not allowed at the event. We kindly ask all participants and their visitors to respect this rule to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Awards

 Custom medals will be awarded to all finishers.  

Camping

The park offers a limited number of campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to camp during the event, we strongly recommend making arrangements here and booking well in advance to secure your spot. Please plan accordingly to ensure you have a place to stay during your visit.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Due to the extensive preparations involved, we do not offer refunds. The race may be canceled in the event of severe weather or other circumstances beyond our control. We make every possible effort to hold the event as scheduled and reschedule if any disruptions occur; however, should unforeseen circumstances arise, participants will be notified and updated in advance. Thank you for your understanding.

Event Cutoffs

All events: 7:00 AM

Finish Line Closes: 7:00 AM

Leave No Trace and Eco-friendly Practices

Eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and the use of sustainable materials, will be implemented to minimize the event's environmental footprint. In our commitment to preserve the natural beauty of Arkansas Bend Park and the Colorado River environment and to ensure the sustainability of our event, the Fit Foundation adheres strictly to the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help us minimize our impact on the natural surroundings and ensure a positive experience for all participants and future park visitors. We kindly ask all participants, spectators, and volunteers to follow these principles:


Plan Ahead and Prepare:

  • Familiarize yourself with the course map and aid station locations to minimize potential impacts.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions and terrain.
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on marked trails and designated areas to prevent damage to vegetation and erosion of the landscape.
  • Do not camp or set up personal support areas outside of designated zones.
  • Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Use provided trash and recycling bins at aid stations and event areas.
  • Be mindful of food scraps and biodegradable materials; even natural items should not be left behind.
  • Leave fossils, rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts: Campfires are not permitted at any point along the course or at the event site.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Avoid feeding animals, as it damages their health and alters natural behaviors.
  • Be Considerate of Other Park Visitors: The park will remain open to the public. Respect other trail users and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Be courteous when passing others on the trail, and yield to slower traffic.

Park Entry Fee Notice

Your race registration includes YOUR park entry!   Additional spectators at Arkansas Bend Park: - General Admission: $5 - FREE entry for:     - Children under 13 years     - Disabled Veterans (50% or more) - Senior Rate (62+ years): $3  

Race Morning Tips: - Bring cash for car parking fees- Carpooling recommended - Early arrival = best parking 

Packet Pickup Information

  • Friday, May 23, 2025: Packet pickup is available from 4 PM to 5 PM at Arkansas Bend Park, near the playground.
  • Saturday, May 24, 2025: Packet pickup resumes starting at 6:30 AM.
  • Participants will receive a wristband at packet pickup, which will serve as proof of their entry fee payment and grant access to the park. 

Please ensure you arrive within the specified times to collect your race materials.


Parking Plan

  • Designated Parking Areas: Race participants should utilize the designated parking areas within Arkansas Bend Park. Signage and volunteers will guide you to the available parking spots.
  • Parking Management: Volunteers will be present to assist with parking management and traffic flow. Please follow their instructions and the signage to ensure a smooth and organized parking experience.
  • Efficient Use of Resources: By following the guidance of signage and volunteers, we can maximize the use of parking resources and ensure an enjoyable event for all participants.
  • Remember, arriving early and following the provided instructions will help you secure a convenient parking spot and contribute to a successful event experience.

Results

  •  Finishing results can be found here. 

Tent and Crew Area Setup

Tent Setup Time

During packet pickup (the day before) and from 6:00- 6:30 AM on the day of the event

05/23/25-  Setup is allowed from 4 PM  to 7 PM

05/24/25- Setup should be complete before 6:30 AM. The site will be accessible from 6:00 AM


Designated Area: Main day use near the playground area


Important Restrictions:

  • Maximum of 1 tent per participant/crew
  • Maximum of 1 table per participant/crew

Please be considerate of space limitations and other participants.

Austin's Backyard Marathon Strategy Guide

  • Mental Wellness Tracking
  • Mental Wellness Insights
  • 25K Training Plan
  • 50K Training Plan
  • 52 Mile Training Plan
  • 100-Mile Training Plan
  • Mental Training
  • Health Impact Ratings
  • Race Austin Series

Fit Foundation

6501 Avenida Ann Drive, Lago Vista, Texas 78645, United States

7378434614

Copyright © 2024 Fit Foundation LLC - All Rights Reserved.

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