Big Tex Backyard Ultra 2026

Big Tex Backyard Ultra is a November event held at Stephen F. Austin State Park in San Felipe, near Houston, Texas. The primary race employs a last-runner-standing format: participants begin a 4.17-mile loop at the top of each hour. The event continues until only one runner remains capable of starting and completing the subsequent loop. The series also features Last Rucker Standing for ruckers and a Lil Tex Kids K, with the weekend centered at the park rather than a single standard trail course. The loop consists of wide, maintained crushed-gravel paths with minimal elevation changes, placing the challenge on repetition, pacing, sleep deprivation, and crew management. Runners may establish personal aid stations on a spacious grass field near the group dining hall shelter. Campsites, RV hookups, overnight lodging, and a well-stocked aid station are available to support the extended periods between loops. Completing 24 loops earns a 100-mile buckle. The winner receives one dollar per mile completed, and the second-place finisher receives one dollar per loop the winner ran. This race is part of the Backyard Ultra ladder, with Bronze Ticket status leading to Silver Ticket races, national championships, and the Backyard World Championships.