Austin's Backyard Marathon Ultra • Full • Half & Memorial Day Remembrance Run 4 Miler • 8 Miler Race Information
<div style="font-family:'-apple-system' , 'blinkmacsystemfont' , 'segoe ui' , 'roboto' , 'oxygen' , 'ubuntu' , sans-serif;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;color:#333">
<div style="background:linear-gradient( rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.6 ) , rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.6 ) ) ,;background-position:center;padding:60px 30px;text-align:center;color:white;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:30px">
<h1 style="font-size:2.8rem;margin:0 0 15px 0;text-shadow:2px 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5 )">AUSTIN'S BACKYARD MARATHON</h1>
<h2 style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:400;margin:0 0 30px 0;text-shadow:1px 1px 3px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5 )">How Far Will You Go?</h2>
<p style="font-size:1.2rem;max-width:700px;margin:0 auto 20px auto;line-height:1.5;font-style:italic">"So, the last shall be first, and the first last"</p>
<div style="background-color:#ff5252;display:inline-block;padding:15px 30px;border-radius:50px;font-weight:bold;font-size:1.1rem;box-shadow:0 4px 8px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.2 )">BRONZE TICKET QUALIFIER</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:30px;padding:0 20px">
<div><img style="width:100%;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 8px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )" src="https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/cf98e79f-402c-45bc-aba0-0e7ba5b7a638/20240112_095732.jpg/:/cr=t:31.25%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:37.5%25/rs=w:1200,h:600,cg:true=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1350&q=80" alt="Runners on Lake Travis Hill Country trail" /></div>
<div>
<h2 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:15px"> </h2>
<h2 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:15px">Texas Hill Country Paradise</h2>
<p style="line-height:1.6;margin:0">Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, our event takes place near 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.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding:0 20px 30px 20px;text-align:center;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;margin-bottom:30px">
<p style="font-size:1.2rem;line-height:1.6;max-width:800px;margin:0 auto;color:#333">Join us for Austin's Backyard Marathon & Memorial Day Remembrance Run, 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.</p>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:40px">
<h2 style="text-align:center;font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:25px;color:#333;border-bottom:3px solid #ff5252;padding-bottom:10px;display:inline-block">The Backyard Ultra Format</h2>
<div style="background-color:#f8f9fa;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:20px;border-left:5px solid #e63946;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<div style="padding:20px">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 15px 0;font-size:1.4rem;color:#e63946">Last Person Standing Challenge</h3>
<p style="line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:15px">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.</p>
<p>The Austin Backyard Ultra at Turkey Bend Recreation Area utilizes a dual-course strategy to manage the unique physical and mental demands of a last-person-standing event. This format requires runners to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour, and the transition between the Day and Night loops marks a pivotal shift in the race's narrative. By splitting the event into two distinct environments, the course design addresses the changing light conditions, runner safety, and the psychological "wall" that often hits during the transition from dusk to dawn.</p>
<p>The Day Loop is defined by its expansive views and technical engagement, tracing the perimeter of the Colorado River. Runners navigate a mix of winding single-track and open meadows that offer constant visual stimulation, which is essential for staying mentally "awake" during the early hours of the race. The terrain and occasional root-tangled sections through the northern wooded "hook" provide a classic Central Texas trail experience, rewarding those who maintain a steady, efficient gait while soaking in the waterfront scenery.</p>
<p>As the clock strikes 7:00 PM, the race shifts to the Night Loop, moving away from the exposed lakeside to the interior "spine" of the park. This course is built for "tunnel vision," prioritizing wider double-track and fire-break paths that are easier to navigate under the beam of a headlamp. While this loop may feel more repetitive, its predictability is a safety asset; it minimizes the risk of trips and falls when fatigue begins to compromise a runner’s proprioception and balance.</p>
<p>The transition between these two loops is where the race is often won or lost. The psychological shift from the "exploratory" feel of the Day Loop to the "rhythmic grind" of the Night Loop can be jarring, especially as the Central Texas humidity lingers after sunset. Successful runners treat the Night Loop as a moving meditation, relying on the high-visibility reflective markers to guide them through the darkness while the interior woods provide a natural windbreak and a quieter, more sheltered environment for the long midnight hours.</p>
<p>Logistically, both loops are anchored by a central start/finish corral located near the park’s main camping clusters to ensure seamless crew support. This "home base" serves as the emotional heart of the event, where runners can refuel and reset in the brief window between yards. Whether navigating the scenic riverside in the midday sun or grinding through the wooded interior under a canopy of stars, the dual-course layout ensures that the Austin Backyard Ultra remains a dynamic and strategically challenging test of endurance.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color:#f8f9fa;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:20px;border-left:5px solid #457b9d;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<div style="padding:20px">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 15px 0;font-size:1.4rem;color:#457b9d"><strong>Saturday- Memorial Day Remembrance Run</strong></h3>
<h5>Set Your Own Challenge for a Memorial Day Remembrance Run</h5>
<p style="line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:15px">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.</p>
<p style="line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:0">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.</p>
<h4 style="line-height:1.6;margin-bottom:0"><strong>Sunday — Memorial Day Remembrance Run (Run, Walk or Ruck)</strong></h4>
<p>While the trail may still hold a backyard ultra runner or two, somewhere past hour twenty, still answering the bell, a new group lines up at dawn.</p>
<p>The Memorial Day Remembrance Run is a chance to cover ground with purpose. Run in honor of someone. Run, ruck or walk in their memory. Run because you can, and they cannot.</p>
<p>Two distances. One course. No clock pressure.</p>
<ul><li>The 4 Mile March</li><li>The 8 Mile March</li></ul>
<p>If you share the trail with a backyard ultra runner on Sunday morning, give them room. Cheer for them. They've been out here since yesterday.</p>
<h4>The Weekend</h4>
<p>Remembrance Ceremony: A brief moment of silence and reflection will occur at the start line to honor the purpose of the day.</p>
<p>Same trail. Same community. Two completely different experiences of what it means to move through wild country with intention.</p>
<p>Day 1 takes everything you have. Day 2 gives it meaning.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color:#f8f9fa;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:20px;border-left:5px solid #1d3557;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<div style="padding:20px">
<h3 style="margin:0 0 15px 0;font-size:1.4rem;color:#1d3557">The Rules for the Last Runner Standing Are Simple</h3>
<ul style="margin:0;padding:0 0 0 20px;line-height:1.6"><li>The course is a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop</li><li>A new loop starts at the top of each hour</li><li>Participants must complete each loop within the hour to continue</li><li>Runners are eliminated if they fail to complete a loop in time or choose not to start the next loop</li><li>The last person to complete a loop is declared the overall winner</li></ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:40px">
<h2 style="text-align:center;font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:25px;color:#333;border-bottom:3px solid #40916c;padding-bottom:10px;display:inline-block">Race Distance Equivalents</h2>
<div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #40916c">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#40916c">Half Marathon</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">4 Loops </div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">13.1 miles</p>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #40916c">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#40916c">Marathon</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">7 Loops</div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">26.2 miles</p>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #e63946">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#e63946">50K</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">8 Loops</div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">31 miles</p>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #e63946">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#e63946">50 Miles</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">12 Loops</div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">50 miles</p>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #1d3557">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#1d3557">100K</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">15 Loops</div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">62 miles</p>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border-top:4px solid #1d3557">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:5px;color:#1d3557">100 Miles</h3>
<div style="font-size:1.5rem;font-weight:bold;color:#333;margin-bottom:5px">24 Loops</div>
<p style="margin:0;font-style:italic;color:#666">100 miles</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:40px">
<p style="line-height:1.6;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#666;padding:0 20px">"This variation in terrain, from exposed shoreline paths to shaded and paved sections, will provide crucial diversity over extended hours of running. The course change also gives runners a mental reset, which can be psychologically significant in a format that tests mental endurance as much as physical stamina."</p>
<div class="rsug-carousel" style="max-width:100%;margin:0 auto">
<div class="rsug-carousel-inner"><img style="max-height:290px;width:auto" src="https://rsu-photos-v2-v2prod.s3.amazonaws.com/customOriginal_v3/race_172606_273991_f4145581-570c-406d-8185-9bee76d4b712.jpg" alt="Race photo 1" /> <img style="max-height:290px;width:auto" src="https://rsu-photos-v2-v2prod.s3.amazonaws.com/customOriginal_v3/race_172606_273991_f4312b86-7f71-4965-a984-4ccd84b02c69.jpg" alt="Race photo 2" /> <img style="max-height:290px;width:auto" src="https://rsu-photos-v2-v2prod.s3.amazonaws.com/customOriginal_v3/race_172606_273991_f4304d47-d00e-4d43-a1b8-a3e8bb2f27d5.jpg" alt="Race photo 3" /> <img style="max-height:290px;width:auto" src="https://rsu-photos-v2-v2prod.s3.amazonaws.com/customOriginal_v3/race_172606_273991_f46efb0e-acbf-430c-ac46-44911be5bb09.jpg" alt="Race photo 4" /></div>
</div>
<div class="rsug-carousel" style="max-width:100%;margin:0 auto">
<div class="rsug-carousel-inner"> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:40px;padding:0 20px">
<h2 style="text-align:center;font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:25px;color:#333;border-bottom:3px solid #40916c;padding-bottom:10px;display:inline-block">Awards</h2>
<div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#457b9d;font-size:1.3rem">Finisher Medal</h3>
<p style="margin:10px 0;line-height:1.5">Complete at least one loop</p>
<div style="width:100px;height:100px;background-color:#ddd;border-radius:50%;margin:0 auto;font-size:2rem;color:#457b9d">🏅</div>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#457b9d;font-size:1.3rem">Half Marathon Medal</h3>
<p style="margin:10px 0;line-height:1.5">Complete 4 loops (13.1 miles)</p>
<div style="width:100px;height:100px;background-color:#ddd;border-radius:50%;margin:0 auto;font-size:2rem;color:#457b9d">🥈</div>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#457b9d;font-size:1.3rem">Marathon Medal</h3>
<p style="margin:10px 0;line-height:1.5">Complete 7 loops (26.2 miles)</p>
<div style="width:100px;height:100px;background-color:#ddd;border-radius:50%;margin:0 auto;font-size:2rem;color:#457b9d">🥇</div>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#e63946;font-size:1.3rem">Ultra Medal</h3>
<p style="margin:10px 0;line-height:1.5">Complete 8+ loops (31 miles)</p>
<div style="width:100px;height:100px;background-color:#ddd;border-radius:50%;margin:0 auto;font-size:2rem;color:#e63946">🏆</div>
</div>
<div style="background:#f8f9fa;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 );border:2px solid #1d3557">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#1d3557;font-size:1.3rem">Last Person Standing</h3>
<p style="margin:10px 0;line-height:1.5">Overall winner + Bronze Ticket</p>
<div style="width:100px;height:100px;background-color:#ddd;border-radius:50%;margin:0 auto;font-size:2rem;color:#1d3557">👑</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color:#f8f9fa;padding:30px;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:40px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.05 )">
<h2 style="text-align:center;font-size:1.8rem;margin-bottom:25px;color:#333">What's Included</h2>
<div>
<div style="background:white;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0">Event Entry</h3>
<p style="margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5">Access to this unique endurance challenge in the Texas Hill Country</p>
</div>
<div style="background:white;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0">Custom Event T-shirt</h3>
<p style="margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5">Commemorative shirt to remember your achievement</p>
</div>
<div style="background:white;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0">Finisher's Medal</h3>
<p style="margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5">Earn a medal by completing at least one loop</p>
</div>
<div style="background:white;padding:20px;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.1 )">
<h3 style="color:#1d3557;margin-top:0">Aid Station Support</h3>
<p style="margin-bottom:0;line-height:1.5">Fully stocked aid stations to keep you going hour after hour</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background:linear-gradient( 45deg , #1d3557 , #457b9d );padding:40px 20px;text-align:center;border-radius:8px;color:white;margin-bottom:40px">
<h2 style="font-size:2rem;margin:0 0 20px 0"><span style="color:rgb( 255 , 255 , 255 )">Ready to Test Your Limits?</span></h2>
<p style="font-size:1.2rem;max-width:700px;margin:0 auto 30px auto;line-height:1.5"><span style="color:rgb( 255 , 255 , 255 )">Join us for this unique endurance challenge in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. How many loops can you complete?</span></p>
<div style="background-color:#ff5252;display:inline-block;padding:15px 30px;border-radius:50px;font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2rem;box-shadow:0 4px 8px rgba( 0 , 0 , 0 , 0.2 )">REGISTER NOW!</div>
</div>
Race Organizerhttps://runsignup.com/Race/TX/MarbleFalls/AustinsBackyardMarathon
Marble Falls, TXMarble FallsTXUS78654
