Events
Austin's Backyard Ultra
Memorial Day Remembrance Marathon
Memorial Day Remembrance Half-Marathon
Place
Marble Falls, TX US 78654
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Memorial Day Remembrance Run
Set Your Own Challenge for a Memorial Day Remembrance Run
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: 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.
The Rules for the Last Runner Standing 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
"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."
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?
Custom Challenge Coins/Medals for all Finishers
Commemorate your achievement with a premium custom-designed medal featuring Lake Travis. These coins are part of the Race Austin Series: Collector's Challenge, which allows you to exchange three same-tier coins from different Fit Foundation races for a complimentary race entry of the same tier.
Health Impact Rating
Custom Medal Add-On
Backyard Ultra Course Map (Day Loop)
The Day Loop: "The Peninsula Perimeter"
Availability: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Distance: 4.167 Miles | Elevation Gain: ~179 ft
Course Overview: The Day Loop is designed to showcase the rugged beauty of the Turkey Bend Recreation Area. Runners will depart the starting corral and head toward the western edge of the peninsula, tracing the high bluffs overlooking the Colorado River.
The Terrain: Expect a mix of winding single-track and open meadow running. The footing is generally stable but features classic hill country terrain and occasional root sections through the wooded northern "hook."
The Vibe: High visibility and constant water views. This loop is meant to keep the mind engaged during the early yards of the race.
Strategic Tip: Use the flat stretches along the southern meadow to find your rhythm and keep your heart rate low before the gentle climbs in the wooded northern section.
Backyard Ultra (Night Loop)
The Night Loop: "The Midnight Corridor"
Availability: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Distance: 4.167 Miles | Elevation Gain: ~260(Loop dependent)
Course Overview: As the sun sets over the river, the race shifts to the Night Loop. This course moves away from the exposed lakeside and tucks into the interior "spine" of the park. It is a tighter, more repetitive loop designed for safety and mental focus under headlamps.
The Terrain: This loop utilizes more double-track and established fire-break paths. While the elevation gain is slightly higher per yard, the technicality of the footing is reduced to prevent trips and falls in the dark.
The Vibe: Quiet and internal. Without the river views to distract you, this loop is all about the "grind." The course is heavily marked with high-visibility reflective tape to ensure no one loses the line during the "witching hours."
Strategic Tip: Focus on the person’s heels in front of you. The interior woods provide a natural windbreak if the May night gets breezy, making it the perfect environment to click off yards until the sun comes back up.
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!
🛡️ THE GLADIATOR AWARD
The Gladiator Award is reserved for athletes who complete 100 miles in under 24 hours on the official course.
To earn it, runners must:
- Complete 100 miles
- Finish in under 24 hours
- Follow all race rules
- Run without pacers unless explicitly allowed
There are no rollovers and no partial credit.
You either earn the Gladiator Award, or you don’t.
Few attempt it. Fewer finish it. One becomes a Gladiator.
Race Participant Setup
Tent and Crew Area Setup
Tent Setup Time: From 6:00 AM on the day of the event
Designated Area: Near campsites 20 - 28
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.
Course Terrain Details
Surface Type: 50% Trail and 50% Paved
Terrain Characteristics:
- Mixed trail, paved surfaces
- Some technical sections
Recommended Gear List for the Austin’s Backyard Ultra Athlete
Lighting Gear
Mandatory for Night Loops
The day-to-night switch happens at 7:00 PM and the sun sets around 8:20 PM. Runners must have all lighting ready before heading out for Yard 14.
| Primary Headlamp
Minimum 200+ lumens recommended for navigating the interior "Spine" trails. |
| Backup Light Source
A secondary headlamp or powerful handheld torch. Phone flashlights are not sufficient for trail safety. |
| Spare Batteries / Charging
Rechargeable? Bring a power bank to your corral space. Disposable? A full spare set is mandatory. |
| ⭐ Rear Red Blinker HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Helps timing staff and fellow runners track positions from behind in the woods. |
Hydration & Cooling
The "Texas May" Protocol
With 70% humidity, sweat won't evaporate efficiently. You need to manage core temperature proactively — not reactively.
| Minimum Carry: 20 oz (≈ 600 ml)
Required on every loop. The loop is 4.167 miles, but the May heat index can make a 50-minute yard feel significantly longer. |
| Electrolytes MANDATORY 4+ YARDS
Sodium and potassium replenishment is critical during the Texas "muggy" season for any runner planning beyond 4 yards. |
| ⭐ Ice Bandanas / Buffs HIGHLY SUGGESTED
Essential for the 11 AM – 5 PM yards. Keeping ice on the carotid arteries is the most effective way to prevent a DNF due to overheating. |
| Reusable Cup
Please bring one to help us reduce waste at the main aid station. |
Footwear & Apparel
| Trail Shoes
Recommended for the Day Loop (Perimeter) due to rocky and root-covered sections. |
| Road / Hybrid Shoes
A great swap option for the Night Loop (Spine) — gives your feet a different pressure-point profile and a mental reset. |
| Anti-Chafe
High humidity creates hot spots fast. Re-apply every 3–4 yards to stay ahead of trouble. |
| ⭐ The "Finish Line" Layer PRO TIP
Keep a lightweight windbreaker or hoodie in your corral. Even on a 70°F night, your core temp will drop fast the moment you stop moving. |
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://fitfoundation.org.
Directions
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